Members of the Hastings community are being encouraged to take part in the 2018 Aussie Backyard Bird Count from October 22-28.
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Around the country avid bird watchers and curious nature lovers alike will be able to take part in the annual count which aims to gather a snapshot of birds in urban areas around Australia.
You can count as many times as you like over the week, organisers just ask that each count is completed over a 20-minute period.
After the count the data collected will go to helping BirdLife Australia in understanding more about the birds that live where people live.
Sue Proust, conservation officer with Hastings Bird Watchers said the bird count is a great way for the whole family to get outside.
“The exercise is basically a citizen science activity and will hopefully give the organisers a good indication about where birds are living in Australia,” Ms Proust said.
“With people counting each in their own backyard, scientists will be able to explore trends in bird populations and see the diversity of bird species which is very helpful.
“I think it is a great exercise the whole family can get involved in because it is done over a 20 minute period so it doesn’t need to be a long time.”
Ms Proust said she has already registered online and downloaded the app onto her phone.
“The beauty of this bird count is that you do not have to be an expert in birds you just need to be curious and keen to explore and keep count of the birds you see,” she said.
“Bird watching is a really fun activity that anyone can take part, wherever you happen to live.
“My advice would be to register early for the count so that you can start learning about local birds.
“Then when the count is on you know what you are looking at and for.
“An essential item to take bird watching are binoculars so that you can see what kind of markings the bird has and not get too close and scare the birds off.
“You can also listen for their calls as bird calls are fairly unique to each species so that can also help identify certain birds.”
To keep in touch with other bird watchers taking part in the count use #AussieBirdCount. Overall the count is a great way to connect with the birds in your backyard no matter where your backyard happens to be — a suburban backyard, a local park, a patch of forest, down by the beach, or the main street of town.
To find out more information or to register today head to the Aussie Bird Count website.
