We need to protect existing habitat, limit urban sprawl, replant native shrubs in our parks (like those pictured!), and educate and encourage urban residents to create diverse habitats in their own backyards. 5/5

To read more, please visit: doi.org/10.1007/s109...

If we want to protect native species and foster thriving, biodiverse neighbourhoods that benefit people and nature, we need to change the way we design our residential suburbs. 4/5

But there are a huge range of other species that go unnoticed in our cities. Insectivores and forest-dependent birds are currently struggling in suburban Melbourne due to habitat loss, and the creation of simplistic parks that are lacking in shrubs and overrun with aggressive noisy miners. 3/5

Importantly, this simplified bird community is typically made up of the same, repeated set of species including the Australian magpie, rainbow lorikeet, noisy miner and little raven – birds that often make the top 10 in BirdLife Australia's #AussieBirdCount. 2/5

All the data collected this week will help provide a snapshot of how our birds are faring. Even if you don't have many birds in your local area, every bird count helps! Happy birding ☺️ 4/4

#AussieBirdCount #BirdWatching #UrbanBirds #BirdsInBackyards

🦜If you need help identifying a bird, the app has a 'Find a Bird' feature with photos, distribution maps and descriptions
🦜Submit your count at the end of 20 mins... 3/4

#AussieBirdCount #BirdWatching #UrbanBirds #BirdsInBackyards

🦜Download the 'Bird Count' app
🦜Pick a nice spot outside
🦜Make sure your location is turned on
🦜Start the timer and note down any birds you see or can accurately identify from their call... 2/4

#AussieBirdCount #BirdWatching #UrbanBirds #BirdsInBackyards

These garden beds with indigenous groundcovers and understorey plantings are looking fantastic! I'd love to see more of these at libraries, community halls, recreation centres, shopping precincts and train stations across the municipality 🌱 🌼 🐝 🪻 🦋

#UrbanGreening #IndigenousPlants #UrbanHabitat

So next time you spot someone wearing high-vis in your street, don’t assume there’s roadworks… they might just be an ecologist! 🌳🔍🦜

Shout out to Lydia Daniel for remembering where we saw the Google Street View car and for sharing this photo. 😄

#UrbanEcology #Fieldwork

Not all of it is indigenous, but research shows these plants likely make a big impact by cooling the city, boosting wellbeing, and supporting urban wildlife. I would love to see more of this around Australia! 🌆

High-rise photo by: @drdunnart.bsky.social

#ICCB2025 #UrbanGreening #Brisbane

Everywhere you looked there were lush laneways, green building facades, and of course the iconic Grand Arbour at South Bank. 🪴

#ICCB2025 #UrbanGreening #Brisbane