How to get involved in the Aussie Bird Count

Help BirdLife Australia develop a greater understanding of our local birds by participating in the Aussie Bird Count from Monday 14 to Sunday 20 October.  

Each year, the Aussie Bird Count encourages hundreds of thousands of people around the country to connect with nature and get to know the birds around them.  

Taking part is easy! Spend just 20 minutes in your favourite outdoor spot and count the different bird species you see. This could be your backyard, the beach, the park or one of our local reserves.  

Count as many times as you like and submit your results on the free Aussie Bird Count app, which features a handy bird finder tool, or at aussiebirdcount.org.au. 

You can view our Backyard Bird Survey data to see how many species were spotted in Maitland in recent years of the Aussie Bird Count. 

Anyone can get involved, no matter your age or experience. Join in the fun by coming along to a free bird count, talk or walk near you: 

Nature Book Week at East Maitland Library  

Monday 14 October, 11.00am  

East Maitland Library 

Bring a picnic and enjoy the great outdoors with a variety of nature inspired activities, including a group bird count, self guided bird walks, storytime, craft, sit spot sessions and a seedling giveaway with Council’s Environment and Sustainability team. Make sure to wear a hat and sunscreen.  

Book your spot here. 

Great Aussie Bird Count Survey and Talk with Mick Roderick  

Thursday 17 October, 10.00am to 11.00am 

Maitland Regional Art Gallery 

Join bird expert and seasoned observer Mick Roderick from BirdLife Australia for a bird talk, followed by a 20 minute bird survey around the gallery grounds. Bring along a pair of binoculars. 

Book your spot here.  

Twitcher 

From Saturday 12 October  

Maitland Regional Art Gallery 

Continue the birdwatching fun indoors with Twitcher, an exhibition dedicated to celebrating birds in art through a diverse lineup of Australian artists. 

Find out more details here. 

Birdwatching kits 

If you’re a Maitland resident who is participating in the Aussie Bird Count or joining in on one of the above events, you can borrow a free birdwatching kit from Maitland City, East Maitland, Rutherford and Thornton Libraries. The birdwatching kits include: 

• An instruction sheet 
• Observation sheets 
• Binoculars 
• The Slater Field Guide to Australian Birds 
• The Woodland Birds of South East Australia identification booklet 
• Flip cards of common bird species.