It’s the first official day of Spring and the magpies in Lismore are already building nests, ready to swoop and chase as they protect their young.

As the daylight hours increase, the temperature will soon be warming up and the breeding season for many birds is underway. The national Birds in Backyards Spring survey is also underway throughout September and October and you can take part by recording breeding bird activity in your home.

Spring survey webinars

If you are new to bird surveying and want to find out how to take part and why these surveys are important, you can join a free webinar. Register to attend on either Wednesday September 9 or 23. 

How do I take part?

To do a Birds in Backyards survey, spend 20 minutes in one spot where you can view birds - your backyard, local park, school, or other favourite outdoor place. Simply count how many you see of each bird species you see using that space and tell us about what the outdoor space is like. 

Then to enter your survey data, register your free Birdata account, read the instructions for the web or app or watch the video. If you download the Birdata app you can take your smartphone or tablet outside with you to do your count. 

There are a few important interactions you can share if you see them. The biggest one to keep an eye on this season is breeding behaviour. If you see a bird carrying nesting materials, sitting on a nest or feeding chicks, let the survey know.

Remember to keep your distance though from birds who are breeding. We don't want to disturb any nests. Be sure to limit your observations and don't get close enough to scare a bird off its nest.

Also keep an eye out for:

• Aggressive interactions – Let them know if you have observed any species initiate interactions with other birds and whether this interaction could be classed as aggressive – you can do this in the sighting details tab using the specific species interactions option.

• Have you seen any birds feeding on the native plants in your garden? If so – who was dining on what? – you can tell us in the notes section when you record the species you have observed under “sighting details”

• Have any birds been dabbling in some Oscar-worthy acting? – tell them about the weird and wonderful things your backyard birds have been up to you using the notes section in the sighting details tabs.

Why do these surveys?

Your surveys are used by BirdLife Australia and the Urban Bird team to track the health of our urban birds, and to monitor the impact of our gardens, outdoor spaces and even our own behaviours on bird populations. We can learn a lot from Birds in Backyard surveys, like how different types of gardens can attract different types of birds, and which features birds may be avoiding or are negatively affected by.

Your surveys also contribute to the on-ground conservation work including local planting and habitat improvement projects and national advocacy and campaigns. 

To find out more, visit https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/getinvolved/How-survey