Greater Shepparton City Council and RiverConnect invite the community to join the 2023 Aussie Bird Count during National Bird Week, from Monday 16 to Sunday 22 October 2023.
Each year people across the country head outside to their front yards, backyards, courtyards, parks and play areas to count how many birds they see to provide a snapshot of Australia's most common bird species. It is a fun, simple and safe activity observing nature, which is proven to provide benefits to mental health and wellbeing.
Council encourages community members to make a difference to bird conservation by giving 20 minutes of their day to count the birds around their local areas. Collecting this data at the same time each year helps to look at the trends in bird communities over time, as bird health and wellbeing is one of nature's best indicators.
Greater Shepparton City Council has participated in the Aussie Bird Count since 2015. By taking part in this initiative annually, Council is able to identify trends relating to birds within the municipality, which helps to understand the threats that birds face.
Manager – Environment, Sharon Terry said the 2023 Aussie Bird Count is the perfect opportunity to make a simple but important contribution to this conservation initiative.
"We invite the community to take a moment of their day to go outside and participate in this wonderful activity. You can get the family involved and make an important contribution to Birdlife Australia's conservation initiatives," she said.
"There is a large variety of birdlife on offer in our region, as well as great birdwatching spots, so everyone can take part and enjoy what we have in our own backyard."
Some easily accessible local birdwatching spots include 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.
