Have you ever wondered how many birds visit your backyard, local park, or favourite walking track?
Residents across Wagga Wagga and its surrounds have the opportunity to help answer that question by taking part in the Aussie Bird Count 2026.
The event takes place during National Bird Week, from 19 to 25 October 2026, and invites Australians of all ages and skill levels to spend just 20 minutes observing and recording the birds they see.
Wagga Wagga City Council’s Environmental Education Officer Christina Reid is encouraging the local community to join in Australia’s largest annual citizen science event.
“It’s a fun and exciting way to get outdoors, whether you’re by yourself or with family and friends, in your backyard or at a local park or reserve. All you need to do is spend 20 minutes observing and recording the birds you see,” Ms Reid said.
“Getting involved is easy. First, you download the free Aussie Bird Count app and then you simply choose a location, count the birds you see and their species, over a 20-minute period, and submit your results. If you don’t have an iPhone, you can log your sightings using the online form.
“You don’t need to be an expert as the built-in bird identification tool will help you identify the birds you don’t know, making it fun for beginners and experienced birdwatchers alike.”
“Most importantly you will be helping researchers better understand the health of bird populations across the country.”
In 2025, almost 64,000 people took part in Aussie Bird Count across the country, submitting 153,955 surveys and spotting more than 5,014,889 birds.
More than 620 different bird species were observed, with the Australian Magpie topping the list as the bird Australia seen the most, followed by the Rainbow Lorikeet and the Noisy Miner.
“Most importantly every count contributes valuable information that helps BirdLife Australia monitor and better understand the health of bird populations across the country, including how Australia’s birds are responding to environmental change,” Ms Reid said.
“Whether you’re counting galahs in your backyard, parrots in a local reserve or magpies at your local park, every observation counts.
“It’s a fun way to connect with nature and learn about local wildlife and it really does help protect the birds we love.”
Residents who are new to the Aussie Bird Count are invited to join the Bird Count Boot Camp on Sunday 18 October to learn how to use the app and start identifying local birds.
Drop in between 10am-12pm at the lower entrance to Wagga Library, near Wollundry Lagoon.
Council’s Environment & Sustainability team is still finalising details of activities for the local community during Aussie Bird Count. To keep up to date with what’s happening locally go to the Environmental Events and Initiatives page.
