How to Be a Bird Hero: Citizen Science Projects in Australia

Yes, You Can Help Birds Just by Watching Them

You don’t need to be a scientist to help protect birds. All across Australia, everyday people are making a difference for conservation by simply observing, counting, and reporting birds they see.

These efforts are called citizen science projects, and they’re vital for understanding how Australia’s birds are doing. Here’s how you can join in and become a bird hero right from your backyard -- if your backyard is in Australia!

🐦 Aussie Bird Count (October Each Year)

Each October, thousands of Australians take part in the Aussie Bird Count, one of the country’s biggest citizen science events. It only takes 20 minutes to join. Just count the birds you see in your backyard, park, or local reserve, and enter your sightings into the free Bird Count app.

The data helps track changes in bird populations over time. It’s especially useful in monitoring common species like the Rainbow Lorikeet, Australian Magpie, and Noisy Miner, some of which are increasing, while others are in decline.

🪶 Get Involved: Aussie Bird Count

🦉 Birds in Backyards

This project helps researchers understand how birds are using urban spaces. Participants survey their backyard or local green space and answer questions about vegetation, housing, and human activity.

Birds in Backyards focuses especially on urban birds, and the findings help guide planning decisions and urban conservation. It’s also a great excuse to get to know your local feathered neighbors a little better.

🪶 Get Involved: Birds in Backyards

🐣 Why Citizen Science Matters

Birds are great indicators of environmental health. When bird numbers change, it can signal shifts in habitat, climate, or ecosystems. Without citizen science data, conservationists would have far fewer tools to protect species, especially in remote or urban areas.

Every bird you count adds to a bigger picture that helps scientists track trends and identify threats. Even common species need monitoring. Sometimes, they’re the ones changing the fastest.

👣 Easy Ways to Start

• Download the Aussie Bird Count or Birdata app to start recording sightings.

• Join a local bird group or BirdLife branch to connect with others.

• Use a field guide or app to learn how to ID common birds in your area.

• Start small. Even one 20-minute count in your backyard can help!

🌍 Similar Programs in North America

Don't live in Australia, but want to help birds where you live? In North America, we have citizen science programs similar to the Australian ones mentioned above. You can join the Great Backyard Bird Count, Project FeederWatch, and the North American Breeding Bird Survey. You can also use eBird to record your bird sightings to contribute to their scientific database. There are a lot of other options out there; try searching for citizen science programs in your local area. 

🦜 Have you joined a bird survey before? Let us know in the comments—and tag us in your Aussie bird photos!