Join The Aussie Bird Count And Make A Difference

Innisfail photographer Craig Gilbert gets down to eye level at Coquette Point All photos supplied by Craig Gilbert

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From colourful kingfishers to remarkable migratory shorebirds, the Cassowary Coast is a birdwatcher's paradise. This week, local wildlife photographer Craig Gilbert is encouraging everyone to spend just 20 minutes discovering the feathered visitors in their own backyard.

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The annual Aussie Bird Count runs from Monday 19th to Sunday 25th October, inviting Australians to help build a national picture of bird populations.

For Innisfail-born photographer Craig and his wife Samantha, it's become an annual ritual.

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"Every year we sit in our backyard early in the morning with a nice cup of coffee and a pair of binoculars each and do the count," Craig said.

The Goondi couple have participated for five or six years, sometimes completing several counts at different locations. Spring is particularly exciting for bird enthusiasts across the Cassowary Coast, with migratory species returning.

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"About this time of year, we start seeing the Pied Imperial Pigeons in our backyard, so they're always nice to see," Craig said.

"You'll also start getting the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfishers as they make their way back here from PNG."

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Migratory shorebirds are also returning, including the extraordinary Bar-tailed Godwit, a species that holds the world record for the longest recorded non-stop bird migration – an astonishing 13,560 kilometres from Alaska to Tasmania. Craig photographed one at Coquette Point, lying in shallow water to capture the bird at eye level.

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Craig's passion for wildlife grew from a lifelong interest in photography. Given his first camera at 10, he became more serious in 2007 when Samantha gave him a digital camera as a wedding gift.

Today, the couple regularly venture into the rainforest, including trips to the Tablelands searching for the elusive Golden Bowerbird. On their latest successful outing, they waited two-and-a-half hours for a glimpse.

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"It's a magnificent bird," Craig said.

But no special equipment or expertise is needed to join the Aussie Bird Count.

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Organised by BirdLife Australia during National Bird Week, the event invites participants to spend 20 minutes recording birds in their backyard, local park or favourite outdoor spot.

Observations are submitted through the free Aussie Bird Count app or website, with an identification guide helping beginners recognise species.

Last year, more than 64,000 Australians counted approximately five million birds, contributing valuable information to conservation research.

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Craig believes participation also encourages greater appreciation of local wildlife. Even after 19 years at Goondi, he continues to discover new species.

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"Just get out there and give it a go. I think you'd be surprised the birds you might have in your backyard."

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To participate: Visit www.aussiebirdcount.org.au to register, download the free app or submit your 20-minute counts online between 19th and 25th October.

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See more of Craig’s magnificent bird images on Instagram @craiggilbertphotography

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