Lachlan Shire Council have put out the call for residents to join Birdlife Australia's annual Aussie Bird Count

"Lachlan Shire is renowned for its magnificent birds. Let's embrace the beauty of nature and make our community count in this wonderful conservation effort," Lachlan Shire media sources said.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of what has become Australia's biggest citizen science project, contributing critical data to our largest wildlife database.

The 2023 Aussie Bird Count is on now and finishes on October 22nd. It is an activity for all-ages that involves observing and counting the birds that live near you – whether that’s in your garden, the local park or in towns.

To complete the Aussie Bird Count, spend 20 minutes standing or sitting in one spot and noting down the birds that you see. You will need to count the number of each species you spot within the 20 minute period. For experts who can identify birds by their calls rather than by sight, the Birdlife Australia group would like to know that too.

If you aren't too sure about the identity of one of our feathered friends, the Aussie Bird Count app has a handy field-guide to help you identify birds. There is a Field Guide/Bird Finder built into the app and on the website to help you identify birds. When looking at the bird try to note its size, shape and colour to assist the app to give the most accurate choices. There are 400 different species listed, generally the more common ones. 

Once you have completed your count, you can submit it through the online web form at Birdlife Australia or you can submit your counts through the free Aussie Bird Count app.

The black-eared cuckoo may also be seen in our area. IMAGE: eBird

Birds that may make the list across the Western Plains include the Plains Wanderer which is critically endangered and only found in a few locations in eastern Australia, including parts of western NSW. It is known for its distinctive appearance and ground-dwelling habits. Major Mitchell's Cockatoos and black-eared Cuckoo are among others found locally.

Diamond firetails are small, finch-like birds can be found in the grassy woodlands and grasslands of western NSW and if you are really keen, hooded Robins can be found in mallee and woodland areas. Black honeyeaters are also commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions of our local area.

There's no need to tramp out bush to take part though, with backyard birds also up for the count. Ravens, butcherbirds, willy wagtails, magpies, wattlebirds, lorikeets, rosellas and wattlebirds should be easy to spot and identify.

Keep your eyes peeled for an unwelcome visitor this year also, the introduced Common or Indian Myna.

“The Aussie Bird Count is not just about counting birds,” says BirdLife Australia’s National Public Affairs Manager. “It’s also about connecting with our environment and contributing to the knowledge that underpins our conservation efforts. Paying attention to birds is where conservation begins." 

The Aussie Bird Count doesn't take a lot of time or effort, so, as Lachlan Shire Council says, everyone should "spend 20 minutes outside to become a guardian for our spectacular birds - and our planet!"