Picture above: Cockatoos in our backyard in Nelly Bay Magnetic Island. Photo: Debbie Denison
Without feather ado Council and Birdlife Australia are kicking off this year’s Aussie Backyard Bird Count.
The organisations are letting residents know that a bird in the book is worth two in the bush by urging locals to spare 20 minutes from October 18 to October 24 to note which birds are flittering around their backyards.
The best part is you can wing it, with no qualifications beyond registering as a counter on the Birdlife Australia website needed.
Community Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Committee chairperson Maurie Soars said this was a great activity for bird enthusiasts, students, retirees, and anyone who enjoyed the outdoors.
“To take part in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count you just need to spare 20 minutes to sit in your backyard, local park, or your favourite outdoor space and note down the birds you see during that time,” Cr Soars said.
“It couldn’t be easier to help Birdlife Australia collect this important data about where different bird species live across Townsville & Magnetic island.”
Cr Soars said Townsville was lucky to be home to some incredible wildlife.
“We have an incredibly diverse spread of flora and fauna across our city, from the seaside to the wetlands and up through the ranges,” he said.
“By working with Birdlife Australia, Council’s sustainability team is able to pinpoint areas that we can help protect so that birds across Townsville can continue to flourish.”
To take part in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count, flock to the website to register as a counter or download the app. The count runs from Monday October 18 to Sunday October 24.
For more information about sustainability in Townsville, head to Council’s website