Murrindindi Shire yesterday announced results of the Aussie Backyard Bird Count conducted last October.
Across the shire 9000 bird sightings identified 142 bird species by 190 participants during 81 observation hours.
Participation in the count has skyrocketed since first launching in 2014 with 27 observers counting 1590 birds.
An initiative of BirdLife Australia the count seeks to understand more about birds that live where people live through citizen science.
Participants record bird species and numbers in a nominated area – like a backyard, street, park or playground for a minimum period of 20 minutes.
Councillor Rebecca Bowles said it’s exciting to see the interest and effort residents show to better understand and protect shire wildlife.
“It will be no surprise to locals that the most commonly detected bird species within Murrindindi Shire is the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. The cockies were closely followed by the Australian Magpie and Crimson Rosella.
“The 2017 Aussie Backyard Bird Watch also recorded four near threatened bird species within the Murrindindi Shire Council boundaries, the Black-eared Cuckoo, Diamond Firetail, Azure Kingfisher and Pied Cormorant.
“But other iconic Australian birds are not faring as well. While data collected from the Project is currently only used as a baseline for further research, its findings suggest a worrying decline in Kookaburra numbers. They also show an unfortunate increase in numbers of aggressive species, including the Noisy Miner.
“The importance of projects like BirdLife’s Aussie Backyard Bird Count can’t be overestimated. Results can be used to drive conservation action for species in need”.
“It also gives participants the opportunity to take a moment and appreciate the amazing breadth of birdlife in our region. My thanks to everyone who got involved,” Cr Bowles said.
To view results of last year’s Murrindindi Shire Bird Count click here or to participate in 2018’s Australian bird count from October 22-28 visit www.aussiebirdcount.org.au.
