Date/Time
Date(s) - Sat 28 June - Sun 6 July
All Day
Healthy bird populations can indicate that the environment is healthy. Researchers know lots about endangered native birds in the bush, but don’t always know what’s happening in the populations of all the birds around us, particularly in urban and garden environments.
That’s why Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research needs you to help count them.
What they learn from information about the birds in your garden collected by you and your fellow citizen scientists helps their researchers make decisions to protect our environment. It also tells them if what is being done in areas, such as predator control, is working.
Background
Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research has proudly led this biodiversity study of urban and rural landscapes since 2007.
This survey is the only one of its kind that informs policy makers, scientists, bird enthusiasts and other organisations nationwide who have an interest in the state of our garden birds and their environment.
The survey acts as a backyard barometer for our nation’s garden birds. It’s an early warning system to highlight any health issues, as well as evidence that our birds are thriving.
Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research monitors changes in bird populations over time by comprehensively analysing bird counts gathered by New Zealanders. These are then distilled into meaningful metrics.
To date, over 49,000 surveys of garden and parks have been undertaken by individuals, schools, and community groups.
How to take part
Choose an hour on one day during the survey period and find the perfect bird counting spot.
Use the tally sheet to count the number of birds you see or hear.
Use the website identification resources to help you tell birds apart.
Use the form on the website to submit your final count.