Join Us in Counting the Birds

Join us in Counting the Birds for the NZ Garden Bird Survey, 25^th June – 3^rd July 2022

The survey is an annual citizen science project organised by Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research. It takes place over nine days between 25^th June – 3^rd July this year. People count the birds they see in their back gardens, a school, park or marae. 

Why the survey is important 

Garden birds are important to study as they act as an environmental indicator for the health of our ecosystems, so every sighting matters. The information gathered from this survey helps inform conservation decisions and further research, not just in New Zealand but worldwide. 

How taking part in the survey can make a difference 

Birds keep our gardens vigorous, they reflect the state of our own health, and birds inspire us to act by encouraging us to add our voices to calls for a healthy environment. By taking part in the country’s largest citizen science project you can truly understand how important birds are in your life, and how you can best care for them. 

How you can help  

1. Visit the NZ Garden Bird Survey website to get started.  
2. Select a garden, or a local park, school grounds, or marae. 
3. Choose any ONE day between 25^th June and 3^rd July. 
4. Look and listen for birds on that day for ONE hour.
5. For each species, record the HIGHEST number seen or heard at one time.  
6. Submit the results online at the NZ Garden Bird Survey website.

Resources for you to share with your community  

Here are some resources that might come in handy. You are welcome to distribute as appropriate for your friends, family and community:  

• A tally sheet  
• "What’s That Bird" identification poster 1
• "What’s That Bird" identification poster 2
• Creating a bird-friendly haven in your garden, school, or local park
• Control predators that predate on birds with Kiwicare Predator Free Pack

Why do we do this in winter?  

It may seem odd – but in fact it makes sense. We are more likely to see birds in our gardens in winter, because they’re attracted in when there’s less food for them in the wider environment. This means that we get better results, showing the true state of our garden birds. 

Save the dates in your calendar. Good luck with your counting.