General News
8 October, 2025
Get hooked on twitching
FROM the noisy rainbow lorikeets and flocks of imperial pigeons to the tiny double-eyed fig parrot, Far North residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to birdlife.
This October, locals are being urged to turn their eyes to the skies for the 2025 Aussie Bird Count.
The national citizen science project, now in its 12th year, runs from 20–26 October and encourages people to spend just 20 minutes recording the birds in their backyard, local park or balcony using the free Aussie Bird Count app.
Local bird guide David Mead, who runs Great Northern Birdwatching Tours, says the Far North is one of the best spots in the country to take part.
“We have a lot of honey eaters, millions of rainbow lorikeets and big flocks of white imperial pigeons moving into town,” Mr Mead said.
“You’ll also see plenty of introduced species like Indian mynas and spotted doves. It really depends where you live, but the range here is huge.”
While the count focuses on common backyard sightings, Cairns has also gained a reputation among birdwatchers for rarities.
“One famous visitor is the Nordmann’s greenshank,” Mr Mead explained. “It’s a migratory bird that normally belongs on the other side of the world. For the last five years, one individual has turned up on the Esplanade between December and April. Birders from across Australia fly here just to see that one bird.”
Mr Mead said surveys like the Aussie Bird Count were more than a fun activity, they also provided valuable information.
“If people take part year after year, it gives a picture of whether numbers are going up or down. With the Far North booming, more people, more traffic, more dogs, these counts really help track the impacts on birdlife,” he said.
Asked about his personal favourite, Mr Mead didn’t hesitate.
“The double-eyed fig parrot, it’s Australia’s smallest parrot and quite a Cairns speciality. You’ll see them in fruit trees around town and along the Esplanade. A lot of people love them.”
For beginners, his advice is simple: “Go out with a friend who’s done it before and make sure you’ve got a good bird app or field guide. Once you start looking things up, it just hooks you in.”
Last year, more than 57,000 Australians submitted nearly 130,000 checklists, recording over 4.1 million birds nationwide.
The 2025 Aussie Bird Count runs from 20–26 October. To register, visit www.bit.ly/46vxxtf
