Backyard birds survey
About this survey
Large numbers of birds often live in the places where people live, even though there are usually fewer species than in native habitats. A few introduced species tend to be very common, such as the Common (Indian) Myna, but several native species, like the Noisy Miner, are also common. Most of the places where Australian people live are fairly new and are still being developed, usually accompanied by a loss of native vegetation. The bird communities of these areas are also still changing, with some species declining, and others increasing in abundance.
The main aim of this survey is to monitor changes in the distribution and abundance of the complete range of birds that live where people live. A secondary aim is to relate variation in bird communities to the design of the built environment, and the structure and species of plants in our gardens.
Become a member (it's free)
You don't need to be an expert bird-watcher to help out!
To take part in the survey, you will need to record your observations via an on-line form. To submit this form you will first need to become a member. Membership is free, providing you with your own password that allows us to keep track of repeat records from the same location. You can also choose to select a membership option that will allow you to receive email updates of research results and bird news.
Survey methods
There are three survey methods that you can use to collect the data, depending on your lifestyle:
- Record all the birds you observe in your garden* on a single day, over a fixed 20 minute period between 7 am and 10 am (preferred method)
- Keep a list of all the bird species you observe incidentally in your garden* over a 1-week period
- Rely on your memory to recall all the bird species you have observed in your garden* over the last year.
(*Include birds in your front and back yards as well as the street side adjacent to your house. Do not include birds seen only in your neighbours' gardens, or birds flying through that do not land.)
You may choose to complete all three types of survey, and you can repeat them as often as you wish, but you must submit a new survey form each time.
Take part in the survey
Step 1: Become a member
Step 2: Decide which survey method you wish to use.
Step 3: Log in to the on-line form and familiarise yourself with the 30 target species for your state.
Step 4: Collect your bird observations according to your chosen method.
Step 5: Log in and fill out the on-line form.