Grey nomads have still got a couple of days to join Australia’s biggest citizen-science event, the Aussie Bird Count.
The BirdLife Australia initiative invites people across the country to spend just 20 minutes a day in their backyard, local park, or favourite outdoor space, and record the birds they see via the Birdlife app.
There’s a built-in ‘bird finder’ tool to help people identify birds they’re unsure of.
The results of the count, which concludes on October 26, will help scientists track changes in bird populations and distribution, providing vital data for conservation planning.
Of course, grey nomads travelling in Outback regions are in a fantastic position to help complete the map of Australia’s birdlife by providing data from some of the more remote areas.
Have you seen this bird? The magnificent Australian Pelican. PIC: James Mascott
The app can help users identify the birds they see. PIC: Aussie Bird Count
And each individual can count as many times as they want.
Across the country, local authorities and community groups have joined the initiative to encourage people to get out their binoculars and participate.
In the NSW town of Wagga Wagga, for example, the local council organised special drop-in session to educate residents on how they can take part,
Deputy mayor, Georgie Davies, said that it was an important opportunity to highlight the diversity of birdlife in the Wagga area.
“Every bird sighting, no matter how common or how small, contributes valuable information,” she said. “Our local biodiversity is as integral to our community as we are, and it’s important we do all that we can to ensure the wellbeing of each species.”
For more information on how you can take part, click here.
Are you a Grey Nomad member yet? Click here to find out about the discounts, competitions and other benefits on offer.
