In recent years both scientists and the general public have noticed that small birds seem to be disappearing from our backyards. At the same time, other larger, more aggressive species such as the Noisy Miner are becoming a common sight. With the urban environment replacing large amounts of native vegetation, there is a need to understand the urban bird community so we can maximise biodiversity within it.

Established in 1998, the Birds in Backyards Program, in conjunction with the Australian Museum, uses three themes: scientific research, education and conservation to examine and understand the ecology of birds in the urban environment. A finalist in the 2007 Eureka Prizes for Environmentally Sustainable Education and commended in the Environment for Living section of the 2007 NSW Public Sector Awards, the Birds in Backyards Program promotes a 'hands on' approach, encouraging the public to connect with their local wildlife and put into practice the recommendations made from the community-based surveys.

On the Birds in Backyards website www.birdsinbackyards.net members can:

• Complete garden bird surveys and submit them (Survey results are integrated and regular updates are presented on the website)
• View recommendations on how to encourage birds into our gardens, including plant lists and garden structure
• Identify birds by using Bird Finder, a bird identification tool with images, information and bird calls
• Find out about the status of birds in Australia, bird conservation, habitat requirements and featured groups of birds
• Access extensive lists of further resources in all related subjects

The Birds in Backyards Program is entering a new exciting phase. We are becoming a truly national project, with the aim to set-up local Birds in Backyards projects in cities, towns and regional areas throughout Australia. Therefore we are looking for communities interested in taking part. For further details please contact Program Manager This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .