Murrindindi community invited to count the birds in our backyard

Published on 10 October 2025

Murrindindi Shire Council hosted a Birds in the Backyard webinar with shared viewing events in Alexandra, Kinglake and Yea on Tuesday 7 October.

Presented by wildlife expert Dr Gráinne Cleary, the webinar “What Are Birds Telling Us?” explored how bird behaviour reflects the health of our environment, and what their songs, movements and silences can tell us about changes in local ecosystems.

Almost 30 participants joined the live broadcast online or gathered at Council’s viewing venues at the Alexandra Council Chambers, Kinglake Library and Yea Wetlands Discovery Centre, to take part in the interactive presentation and Q&A session followed with a light supper enjoyed by those who attended in person.

Council is also supporting the annual Aussie Bird Count, a national citizen science project running from 20 to 26 October that encourages people to observe and record the birds in their local area. There’ll be local events happening across the shire where you can get involved. The information collected helps BirdLife Australia better understand how bird populations are tracking across the country. To find out more or to register, visit the Aussie Bird Count website.

Murrindindi Shire Council Sustainability and Assets portfolio Councillor Sue Carpenter said the webinar was a great way to inspire people to connect with nature and take practical steps to support local wildlife.

“Birds are vital messengers of environmental change, and events like this help us understand and protect the ecosystems we share. I encourage everyone to take part in the Aussie Bird Count, it’s a simple, fun way to contribute to conservation science right from your backyard.”

For more information about upcoming events including the Aussie Bird Count in October, visit our What's On events page.

Pictured: Attendees at the Yea Wetlands Discovery Centre event.