The Aussie Bird Count kicks off on Monday, 16 October and we are enjoying Sunset with the Birds at Gum Swamp to kick it off!

The Aussie Bird Count is in its tenth year and is now Australia’s largest annual citizen science event, with approximately 100,000 people participating each year.

In partnership with the National Parks Association Lachlan Valley Branch, Central West Lachlan Landcare will be commencing National Bird Week Aussie Backyard Bird Count with a casual get together and walk at Gum Swamp at Forbes, from 6pm on Sunday, 15 October.

With a top of 26 degrees forecast for Sunday, by 6pm, conditions should be perfect at Gum Swamp! For those of you like myself who will be living your best life at Trundle as part of the ABBA festivities this weekend, you may just enjoy some quiet time for reflection, this is the spot!

We will meet in the shade near the Veranus Sculpture, accessible via Greens Road (via the Newell Highway). Please bring your own chair, drinks, nibbles, wear sunscreen, sturdy shoes, a hat and long sleeves/pants, repellent, just in case the insects are up for some fun. Enjoy this time of bird watching on and about the Swamp and socialising as the sun sets.

Bookings are not essential, but please contact myself, Marg Applebee on 0418 611 053 or Martin Bell on 0429 346 586 if you have any queries.

Anyone can join in the Aussie Bird Count that is an activity for all-ages that involves observing and counting the birds that live near you – whether that’s in your garden, the local park, or even your town centre. By recording the birds you’ve seen within a 20 minute period, you will help BirdLife Australia develop an understanding of local birds whilst getting to know the wildlife on your doorstep!

You can submit your bird count through the online web form, which is now active, or you can submit your counts through the free Aussie Bird Count app. The app is available for iPhones and Android smartphones, go to the Google Play or Apple App Store to download the app for free.

If you have the Aussie Bird Count app from previous years don’t delete it, it should update automatically with the newest version. In between event dates, the app operates as a field-guide/bird finder.

For further information on this article, please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @cwllandcare