About the program
Initially a Birds Australia program, Birds in Backyards became a program of both Birds Australia and the Australian Museum in February 2005, when a partnership was formed. It is managed by a Steering Committee with representatives from both organisations.
Why have an urban bird program?
By 1998, the loss of small bird species, corresponding with an increase in larger more aggressive species, throughout urban areas was well known to ornithologists (bird researchers). However, little research had been done to determine the current status of urban birds, or to identify specific causes of decline. In Sydney, the loss of diversity was also being made worse by the rapid expansion of urban areas throughout the Sydney Basin. These losses extend along the coastal fringe (up to 50 km inland) of much of the Australian continent, particularly along the east coast. These are some of the most biologically rich areas in Australia and yet they are still being rapidly cleared for urban expansion.
The development of the Program
The Birds Australia Southern NSW and ACT Regional Group (BASNA), based in Sydney (the largest and fastest growing Australian city) felt that it was important to confront the urban bird problem, and appointed a Steering Committee to develop this program. Seeding funds were obtained from the 1998 New South Wales Twitchathon, an annual fundraising event held by Birds Australia. All of the committee members are volunteers.
Opportunities
The Steering Committee saw the urban bird problem as not only a research problem, but also an educational and community awareness problem. Conservation can only take place if urban communities become involved. This need for education and increase in community awareness presented opportunities to:
- help urban dwellers connect with nature through birds, relating their needs to the urban backyard.
- introduce people to the concepts of biodiversity in a practical hands-on fashion, leading to a greater understanding of the environmental problems that face all of Australia.
- get the results of research back into the community where it could be used much faster than most research, which is often not acted upon until well after it has been completed.
- involve the community in data collection, introducing them to the processes of science.
The first research module: community bird surveys
By 2000, the program was clearly defined and documented and a significant amount of money was donated, allowing the first research module to be undertaken. This was the first community bird survey, in which over 900 survey forms were returned. Since then, we have conducted a number of projects with students from both the University of Wollongong and the University of Sydney, who have involved members of community in undertaking surveys and experimental trials.
See the results of past surveys
What are the program's aims and objectives?
The Birds in Backyards program aims to increase the variety of birds found in cities and their suburbs. The program has three main objectives:
Research
Finding out what influences bird diversity in urban gardens, urban bushland and public areas.
Education
Developing community awareness and understanding of the current status of urban birds and encouraging a 'hands on' culture of planting for birds and on-going bird population monitoring through:
- running workshops and information stands
- using the media and this website to promote the program
- involving the community in monitoring and investigating urban bird types, numbers and where they live by asking them to collect data for relevant research projects
- providing accurate information on how to create bird friendly living places that are likely to increase varieties of birds in urban areas.
- working with local government authorities, urban planners and other groups involved in managing or maintaining open spaces in urban areas.
Conservation
By putting into practice the information learnt from research, urban places suitable for birds should increase and be more effective. This should contribute to a greater diversity of birds living in urban areas.
How does the program work?
The partnership: Birds Australia and the Australian Museum
Since the conception of the program in 1998, a Steering Committee appointed by the Birds Australia Southern NSW and ACT Regional Group (BASNA), has been responsible for design, management and implementation of all aspects of the Birds in Backyards Program. In 2005, the Australian Museum, which has been loosely associated with the Program since early in its development, formed a formal partnership with Birds Australia for the ongoing management, research and promotions of the Program, particularly in relation to the website and activities that result from it.
The Australian Plant Society is also affiliated with the Program and has contributed significantly to the development of the plant and garden content for this website.
The scope of the program
The program's large and complex scope initially made it difficult to manage and fund. This is why most research so far has focused on the greater Sydney region (Newcastle, Central Coast, Sydney, Wollongong and the Illawarra). This is also why research and some education projects are undertaken in modules, each of which is funded and managed as an individual project, under the Birds in Backyards umbrella.
Research and education modules
Research and some education activities are undertaken as specific projects or modules within the Birds in Backyards Program. These are often done in association with other organisations, with research in particular being done with universities such as the University of Wollongong and the University of Sydney.
- Research: is undertaken within undergraduate (Honours) or postgraduate degrees, with the Birds in Backyards Program providing some form of financial assistance. While the Steering Committee provides research direction to ensure the Program aims are met, specific research design and management is undertaken by the students and their supervisors. Co-supervision is provided by a member of the Steering Committee. In return, the Program, while not owning the data or thesis, does have access to it.
- Education: is provided via pamphlets, posters and other written materials and on this website. Participants in research surveys are provided with feedback. Other methods include: information stands at community events, talks to interested groups and involvement with workshops run by local councils and community gardens. Talks are also given to local government planners, landscape designers and developers.
What happens next?
More research needs to be done. Continued education of the general community, urban planners, developers, local groups undertaking revegetation programs and other related organisations needs to be undertaken and expanded. We are also exploring different methods of education, particularly in reaching those in the community who are not currently engaged in conservation or are unaware of their own ability to contribute to conservation effectively.
Ultimately, both research and education should be undertaken throughout urban Australia. While general principles may be constant, the huge variety of different and unrelated habitats in Australia means that local problems can be very different. We hope other cities and towns of all sizes will become involved in the process. However, a lot more funds will be needed if we are to produce supporting information (currently being compiled for New South Wales) for all states and territories.
How can I get involved?
- Plant for small birds: encourage birds and other wildlife into your garden. Use our resources and links to plan your garden.
- Do a survey: Collect data from your own garden and contribute to our knowledge of urban birds.
- Talk to your neighbours: Encourage them to plant for small birds too and refer them to this website.
- Talk to your local council: Birds need more than just gardens. Encourage your local council to:
- plant for small birds
- dedicate areas of public parks and open spaces to birds and other wildlife
- ensure remnant bushland is kept and cared for
- work with a community nursery or develop one that can grow plants from local species, and contribute to maintaining local biodiversity.
- link up with other councils so that 'wildlife corridors' (bush areas that wildlife can use to move about safely) can be created throughout urban areas.
- Talk to your State and the Federal Governments: Let them know that you place value and importance on Australia's natural heritage, and that they must ensure that it is kept intact and healthy
Become a member: use the membership form on this website to receive regular updates and participate in surveys.