You don’t need to be a bird expert to take part in one of Australia’s biggest citizen science events.

The 2025 Aussie Bird Count will run from 20 to 26 October, inviting people of all ages to step outside and spend just 20 minutes spotting, identifying and counting the birds around them.

Last year, more than 57,000 participants submitted nearly 130,000 checklists and logged more than 4.1 million birds across the country.

Bold, adaptable species - the Rainbow Lorikeet, Noisy Miner, and Australian Magpie - again topped the charts.

Will they swoop in for the top three once more in 2025?

“It’s not about being a bird expert,” Sean Dooley, BirdLife Australia’s National Public Affairs Manager said.

“It’s about spending time outdoors and learning something new about your local environment.”

Now in its twelfth year, the Aussie Bird Count has grown into a national celebration of the country’s diverse birdlife.

The count helps build a picture of bird populations across Australia.

“The Aussie Bird Count shows how citizen science can bring families and communities together while contributing to our understanding of Australia’s unique wildlife,” Mr Dooley said.

“A simple 20-minute activity can become an annual family tradition that teaches everyone about observation and nature.”

With more than a decade of data now collected, BirdLife Australia can track trends in urban bird populations and use the information to shape conservation priorities.

A beloved Aussie icon - will the magpie swoop into top spot at this year's Great Aussie Bird Count?

"One in six Australian bird species is now under threat, so taking note of the birds around us has never been more important,” Kate Millar, CEO of BirdLife Australia said.

“It’s also often a first step on a longer journey of curiosity, from noticing birds to caring about them, and from caring to protecting.“

"Whether you’re a regular birder or someone who just enjoys the occasional kookaburra laugh or lorikeet fly-by, we’re inviting everyone across the country to pause, step outside, and count the birds

that share their skies, gardens, and daily walks.”

With more than a decade of data, the Aussie Bird Count results can provide BirdLife Australia with insights into trends in urban bird populations, contributing to a dataset that helps to guide future

awareness campaigns, conservation priorities, and community education.

“Birds are indicators of environmental health," Ms Millar said.

While common species dominate the tally in many towns, the Bird Count also highlights rare and threatened birds in regional areas.

As previously reported by Western Plains App, the Macquarie Marshes are home to the elusive Australasian Bittern and the endangered Australian Painted Snipe, with researchers recently tagging

some individuals to better understand their movements.

“Every count matters,” Mr Dooley said.

“Every time someone stops to notice a bird, even a common one, that’s a moment of connection."

“Whether you’re watching rainbow lorikeets on your balcony, ducks in your local pond, or fairy-wrens darting through your backyard, we want everyone to experience the joy birds bring.

"Communities that care about nature are communities that protect it.”

Keen participants for the 2025 Aussie Bird Count are able to register and submit their sightings using the free Aussie Bird Count app or visiting their website to register.