THE results of Australia’s largest citizen science event are in, with more than 57,000 people counting 4.1 million birds as part of the week-long Aussie Bird Count last October.
Figures indicated that no two states shared the same top three birds.
BirdLife Australia’s Sean Dooley said one of the survey’s biggest finds was how birds were coping with changes and how birds helped complete the unique character and identity of each state.
“If we want to ensure we can enjoy seeing and hearing a greater variety of birds, including smaller bush birds, we need to continue the great work already underway to create more diverse habitat in both urban and regional spaces,” Mr Dooley said.
But life for birds in Ipswich, continues to get tougher – of 72 local government areas in Queensland, Ipswich ranks one from the bottom at number 71 with the second lowest percentage of preclearing vegetation cover remaining at just 21.19 percent (2021 figures).
Only Weipa Town now has less remnant vegetation, at 18.51 percent.
The Rainbow Lorikeet was the most numerous bird recorded across the country, while Noisy Miners, a Native Honeyeater sometimes mistaken for the introduced Common Myna, came in second.
The Australian Magpie was in third place.
“[It] was the bird spotted by the most participants across the country, so it’s Australia’s most familiar bird,” Mr Dooley said.
“Almost 50 percent of participants saw a Magpie during the count, which is a reminder of how closely connected we are to this beautiful, intelligent bird.
“Watching birds is fun, but it can also be very important.
“Birds tell us a lot about the environment we live in and keeping track of them helps us take the pulse of the environment.
“The Aussie Bird Count is about having fun and getting to know the birds around us a bit better.
“But it’s also about helping Aussies turn an interest in birds into a hobby that provides valuable information.
“At BirdLife Australia, we love seeing so many Australians getting excited about birds each year.
“If you had fun taking part in last year’s Count and can’t wait until October, we’d love you to join our active community of volunteer birdwatchers who have already contributed more than 25 million records to our Birdata platform.
“It’s free and it helps BirdLife Australia with our scientific research and conservation work. Your hobby can really make a big difference.”
The 2025 Aussie Bird Count will take place from October 20 to 26.
