When the Australian Bureau of Statistics conducts the national census every five years, birdlife is not on the radar.

But our feathered friends are now in the frame – BirdLife Australia is conducting the Aussie Backyard Bird Count, a nationwide survey.

Elizabeth Noble of Brooklyn, with her daughter Ruby, will try to count birds every day this week. Credit:James Brickwood

Anyone can participate in the survey, which involves spending 20 minutes in an outdoor area and recording the number and species of birds they observe.

BirdLife Australia's Holly Parsons said the experience is not necessarily aimed at the experience bird watcher but the everyday community member.