Winter Bird Count Starts Again

The participatory event has developed into the largest citizen science project in the country since its beginnings in 2010, announced the bird protection organization BirdLife Austria as the organizer in a press release. The "Hour of the Winter Birds" is taking place for the 17th time. In the last count, more than 27,000 people recorded over 646,000 birds.

Call for nationwide winter bird count starting January 3

In the count of January 2025, the great tit was the most frequently found in domestic gardens. While in the first six nationwide counts there were around 40 birds per report, the results in recent years barely exceeded 30 counted birds per report (31 in 2025).

"We at BirdLife Austria are curious to see how this trend will develop in the coming years. Since only long-term data series allow us to understand how the winter birds are doing, it is important to pick up binoculars, counting sheets, and pens again in 2026 and count the birds in the garden, on the balcony, or in the park for one hour between January 3 and 6 and report to us," requested Evelyn Hofer. "No fear of bird identification. Bird enthusiasts who have little experience with bird identification are also warmly invited to participate."

"Everyone can participate"

"Everyone can participate - no special prior knowledge is required," emphasizes Hofer. The participation folder helps in recognizing the most common urban birds. There is also the opportunity to practice bird identification in advance using online bird quizzes.

(APA/Red)

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