How many birds? Survey to wing it

GEELONG region residents are being encouraged to participate in an Australiawide bird count to bolster knowledge of the area’s feathered friends.

Geelong council is partnering with Bird Life Australia for this year’s Aussie Backyard Bird Count, to identify which of the nation’s 800-odd bird species are found in the region.

Participants register online, or can download the Aussie Backyard Bird Count app on the App Store or Google Play. Once registered, participants type in common names of the birds spotted and their location, and each entry is recorded on the Bird Life Australia database.

A field guide in the app can help people identify more than 400 common birds.

“This survey is a great opportunity for people to better connect with our environment and I’d encourage everyone to register and download the app so they can take part in this important community science program,” City of Greater Geelong councillor Sarah Mansfield said.

“Birdlife Australia plays a critical role supporting our native bird life and the health of birds is a really strong indicator of the health of our overall natural environment.

“The results from the survey will help us gain a more comprehensive understanding of local bird life in our region and better and track and monitor any changes in the future.”

Council will receive data to help it make decisions on enhancing native birdlife.

The Aussie Backyard Bird Count runs from Monday to October 28.