Lately, my home has turned into the local watering hole, and I’m not talking about the kind that serves gin and tonics. Every late afternoon, a rowdy crew of sulphur-crested cockatoos swoop in, line up neatly along the pool edge, and help themselves to a cool drink. They chatter, squawk, and make it very clear they are in charge. 

The smaller birds follow soon after, splashing about as if they have booked the pool for their own private spa session, completely ignoring the purpose-built bird bath I have set up for them. If you are lucky, and on rare occasions, the red-tailed black cockatoos may appear, transforming the whole scene. They always travel in pairs, make an almighty racket, and perform aerial loops that command attention. They are bold, boisterous, and breathtaking to watch. 

If you have noticed a few feathered visitors around your garden too, you might be curious about who is calling your property home. The good news is, now is the perfect time to find out. 

BirdLife Australia’s Aussie Bird Count runs from October 20 to 26. It is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to connect with the wildlife around you. All it takes is twenty minutes, a comfortable chair, and a bit of curiosity. You can count birds in your backyard, on your balcony, or even from your office window. No binoculars or scientific know-how required. 

Last year, more than 57,000 Australians took part in the count. Their efforts helped scientists, local councils, and land managers better understand how bird populations are faring and what can be done to protect them. The information collected has already influenced planting guides, conservation efforts, and community planning. It shows how small backyard actions can create big environmental ripples. 

And it is not just about birds. The moment we start to support birds in our gardens, we automatically invite bees, butterflies, lizards, frogs, and a whole host of beneficial insects into the mix. These are the signs of a living, balanced ecosystem. For those of us working in property, it is a reminder that a healthy landscape is more than decorative. It adds long-term environmental and economic value, supporting biodiversity and enhancing the appeal of the property itself. 

So, this weekend, pour yourself a cuppa, pull up a chair, and take a moment to look around. Watch who visits, who sings, who swoops, and who splashes. You might be surprised at just how lively your backyard community is. 

If you would like to take part, join the count directly through BirdLife Australia’s Aussie Bird Count website. https://aussiebirdcount.org.au/ 

You can also read Megan Backhouse’s original story for The Age for more inspiration: 

 “Do you know who is visiting your place when you’re out?” – The Age, October 3, 2025 

A crackle of Sulphur crested cockatoos drinking from my pool. 

The male superb fairy wren is unmistakable, with its brilliant blue and black plumage shimmering in the light. 

The native noisy miner consistently ranks among the top three most sighted birds in the annual count.

A rare sighting of a Lyre bird dancing in my garden. 

In the 2024 Aussie Bird Count, the top three most frequently spotted birds across Australia were: 

  1. Rainbow Lorikeet 
  2. Noisy Miner 
  3. Australian Magpie birdguides.com 

These species have consistently ranked among the most observed in previous counts, reflecting their adaptability to urban environments and widespread presence across the country.