Port Stephens locals invited to again look up and count our birds

Key points

• Port Stephens residents are being urged to take part in this year's Aussie Bird Count, running from 19 to 25 October. Participants spend 20 minutes recording birds in their backyard, a local park, bushland or along the waterfront.
• Last year, 680 surveys across the area recorded 188 bird species. Rainbow Lorikeets, Noisy Miners and Australian Magpies were the most frequently seen birds.
• BirdLife Australia says smaller garden birds are declining nationally, while larger, more adaptable species are increasing. Residents can register free at aussiebirdcount.org.au.