Students at Cedars Christian College in Wollongong are using BirdLife Australia's Aussie bird count to bring birdwatching into their lessons this week. Teacher Karen Jooste has woven the count into maths, writing and lessons on biodiversity and conservation, drawing on a tree-lined creek that draws many species to the school grounds. Activities include a tally sheet with identification pictures and reading outdoors among the birds. Sean Dooley of BirdLife Australia says more than 3.7 million birds have been counted so far, putting 2026 on track to beat 2025.
Australians are being asked to spend 20 minutes outside counting and identifying the birds they see before the Aussie Bird Count closes on 25 October. The annual survey, run by conservation charity BirdLife during National Bird Week, has already recorded more than 3 million birds this year. Last year, more than 66,000 people recorded over 5 million birds, with the magpie the most commonly spotted species. A 2020 study found nearly one in six Australian bird species faced extinction.
Australians are being invited to spend 20 minutes observing and recording birds in their backyards, parks and neighbourhoods. The 2026 Aussie Bird Count, organised by BirdLife Australia, runs from Monday 19 October to Sunday 25 October. Last year, nearly 64,000 people counted more than five million birds across 621 species. The Australian Magpie was the most frequently spotted species, while the Rainbow Lorikeet recorded the highest total count. Participation is free through the Aussie Bird Count app or an online form, and requires no specialist knowledge.
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Residents are invited to join the Aussie Bird Count from Monday 19 to Sunday 25 October. Participants count and record birds they see over 20 minutes in a backyard or local park, using an app. Guided bird walks are also planned at Maranoa Botanic Gardens on Thursday 22 October. H5 bird flu is present in wild birds in Victoria but has not been detected in Boroondara. People who see sick or dead birds are asked to avoid direct contact, record the location, and report them to the Emergency Animal Disease hotline.
Mackay residents are being asked to take photos at Eimeo and Lamberts Beach to help track changes along the coastline. Special poles with smartphone cradles have been installed at both beaches for the CoastSnap initiative. Repeated photos taken from the same spot can show how coastal areas change over time. Mayor Greg Williamson said photos taken after severe weather are especially useful. Residents can join by taking a photo at a pole and uploading it through the CoastSnap app.
Shellharbour residents are being invited to help scientists and environmental specialists find birds, frogs, plants and fungi at Croom Reserve. The city's fourth BioBlitz runs on 6 and 7 November and is free for all ages. Discoveries recorded by participants will help guide the future conservation of the reserve. Activities include bird surveys, plant identification, frog monitoring and spotlight walks led by experts. Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer says every observation adds to a bigger picture of local biodiversity.
Bogong moth numbers have surged along Australia's east coast this year, with people finding the insects in homes across the region. Researchers say the resurgence offers useful information about the health of the population, which fell by 99 per cent between 2017 and 2019. Two years of high rainfall may have helped the moths breed and feed, while strong winds may have pushed them into Sydney. Christmas beetles have also become rarer, and citizen scientists are helping track surviving populations. Experts encourage people to slow down, photograph insects and upload sightings to online platforms that help scientists track them.
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.
