It was the highest response to date, but this year Greater Shepparton City Council is encouraging bird watchers to go one better and break the record.
The count runs from Monday to Sunday next week.
“The arrival of spring means warmer weather across Australia which will see birds reappear from their winter hideaways ready to be counted in BirdLife Australia’s Aussie Backyard Bird Count,” council's sustainability and environment team leader Sharon Terry said.
“Council encourages people to visit one of our One Tree Per Child revegetation sites and observe the impact we have on the presence of birds.”
Council has more than 50 different revegetation sites with more than 60,000 plants in those sites.
“By participating in the bird count we will be able to identify birds in our new planting sites,” Ms Terry said.
“Homeowners, renters and visitors, with and without backyards, are encouraged to become citizen scientists for the week and join council and BirdLife Australia in counting local birds in 20-minute blocks, as many times as you like, over seven days.”
Once counts have been submitted, people will be able to see the number of birds and species being counted nearby and right across Australia, with real-time updates on the Aussie Backyard Bird Count app and website.
To take part, all you need is 20 minutes, the Aussie bird count app or to visit the website aussiebirdcount.org.au
If you need tips or technology assistance, drop in to the Queen's Gardens Childrens’ Week event on Wednesday, October 23 between 10am and 1pm and see RiverConnect.
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