Greater Shepparton City Council and RiverConnect are inviting the community to join the 2026 Aussie Bird Count, Australia’s largest annual citizen science event, taking place during National Bird Week from 19 to 25 October 2026.
Run by BirdLife Australia, the Aussie Bird Count encourages people of all ages and experience levels to spend just 20 minutes observing and counting birds in their local area using the free Aussie Bird Count app or online form. The information collected helps scientists better understand bird populations and how they are changing across Australia.
Residents are encouraged to participate from their backyard, local park, reserve or at one of Greater Shepparton’s many One Tree Per Child revegetation sites. Multiple counts can be completed throughout the week, with each 20-minute survey contributing valuable data.
Council has promoted and participated in the count since 2015. The data gathered each year helps Council understand local bird populations, identify trends in species diversity and monitor the environmental benefits of the One Tree Per Child program.
The Greater Shepparton community continues to show strong support for the count. During the 2025 Aussie Bird Count, local participants recorded 15,630 individual birds, providing valuable information that contributes to local and national bird monitoring and conservation efforts.
Mayor, Councillor Geoff Akers, said the Aussie Bird Count was a simple and enjoyable way for people to connect with nature while contributing to important environmental research.
“The Aussie Bird Count is a fantastic opportunity for residents to explore the natural environment and discover the incredible birdlife we have throughout Greater Shepparton,” Cr Akers said.
“Whether you’re an experienced birdwatcher or simply curious about the birds visiting your garden, everyone can take part.”
“The information collected helps build a greater understanding of local bird populations and supports Council’s efforts to enhance biodiversity through initiatives such as One Tree Per Child,” Cr Akers said.
“By taking part, residents are not only contributing to a national citizen science project but also helping us better understand how local bird species are responding to changes in habitat and the environment.”
Participants may spot a variety of local species, including Australian Magpies, Galahs, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Superb Fairy-wrens, Laughing Kookaburras and Rainbow Lorikeets.
Greater Shepparton offers many excellent birdwatching locations, including Archers Field in Mooroopna; Boulevard Bush Reserve, Kalinga Park and Tassicker Reserve in Shepparton; Lake Bartlett and Cussen Park in Tatura; and Kialla Green and Kialla Lakes in Kialla.
As residents take part in the count, Council reminds the community to observe birds from a distance and avoid handling sick, injured or dead birds. Sightings of sick or dead wild birds should be reported to the Victorian Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Taking part is easy. Register at aussiebirdcount.org.au, then download the free Aussie Bird Count app, choose a location and spend 20 minutes counting the birds you see. Participants can complete as many counts as they like throughout the week and view real-time results from across Australia as submissions are received.
