From the latest Birds in Backyards newsletter – time to get bird watching!:
Aussie Backyard Bird Count
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Join Birds in Backyards and BirdLife Australia to celebrate National Bird Week 2014 by taking part in the biggest citizen science project to hit Aussie shores. The Aussie Backyard Bird Count is almost upon us! From October 20 to 26, go out into any patch you count as your ‘backyard’ and tell us what birds you see in a 20 min period.
The app is now available for download on iphones and android devices. Just search for ‘Aussie Bird Count’. The app also includes the BIBY Bird Finder to assist you with any mystery birds. Enter a couple of characteristics of the bird you saw to bring up a list of potential sightings (we have 400 of the more than 800 Australian birds in the Finder). Also remember when searching for a bird by name to be broad (e.g. Yellow) to bring up all birds with that in their name and note that different birds can go by a few different names – e.g.:
- Indian Mynah is the Common Myna
- Mopoke is the Southern Boobook
- Scrub Turkey is the Australian Brush-Turkey
- There is a bird called a Top-knot Pigeon found on the east coast but in many cases, people mean the Crested Pigeon
- Magpie-larks are also known as Pee-Wees and Mudlarks
- Crow can refer to anyone of 6 or so Australian crows and ravens –so check which one is found in your area.
You can also enter data on the website: http://www.aussiebirdcount.org.au – and there you will also find a calendar so you can search for Bird Week events in your area to go along to as well as, a range of tips from us here at BIBY on creating a bird-friendly garden.
So get out there and get involved. Help us reach our target of 100000 birds seen over the week (and go into the draw to win some great prizes). I know we can do it!
Brewongle Environmental Education Centre 