Aussie Birds Take Centre Stage

 

Photo by Mark Broadhurst: https://www.pexels.com/photo/2-owls-on-tree-branch-during-daytime-105804/

If you’ve found yourself glued to this year’s Bird of the Year vote and suddenly realised, hang on - birds are actually kind of incredible…you’re not alone! Once you start noticing them, it’s hard not to spot how many feathery friends are fluttering around every corner of Australia.


And if that’s you, then here’s your chance to turn your newfound bird obsession into something big. BirdLife Australia’s Aussie Bird Count kicked off on Monday 20th October, and it’s one of the country’s biggest citizen science projects. All it takes is 20 minutes outside, wherever you are, to count the birds you see. Your sightings help build a national snapshot of Australia’s birdlife from backyard visitors to bushland beauties.


To get involved, just head to the Aussie Bird Count website, register, and get ready to look up.

And speaking of birds…there’s been plenty of excitement in the feathered world with the announcement of this year’s Bird of the Year winner. After years of just missing out, the Tawny Frogmouth has finally taken the crown in 2025! 


This nocturnal favourite led the pack from the get-go, holding off some stiff competition including the Baudin’s Black Cockatoo and the Gang-gang Cockatoo.

Here’s how the top 10 feathered favourites stacked up this year:

  1. Tawny Frogmouth 
  2. Baudin’s Black Cockatoo
  3. Gang-gang Cockatoo
  4. Willie Wagtail
  5. Bush Stone Curlew
  6. Laughing Kookaburra
  7. Southern Emu Wren
  8. Spotted Pardalote
  9. Wedge-tailed Eagle
  10. Little Penguin

More than 310,000 votes were cast this year, and the Tawny finally swooped in for the win with 11,851 votes. Not bad for a bird that’s been runner-up three times before!


So whether your heart belongs to the Tawny, the Kookaburra, or the cheeky Wagtail, now’s the perfect time to grab a cuppa, step outside, and see who’s hanging out in your neighbourhood trees. Visit aussiebirdcount.org.au to register and join the flock.


Because when Aussies come together to count birds, we’re not just spotting wildlife - we’re helping protect it.


Until next time - Sharnae

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