New Zealand Garden Bird Survey 2022

The New Zealand Garden Bird Survey (NZGBS) was initiated in 2007 and involves participants recording the number and type of birds they see or hear in their gardens, schools or parks over a 1-hour time period. The survey occurs annually during 1 week in the austral winter (late June to early July). Participants upload their bird counts to an online form that records their observations against their geographical location. Participants also provide information about the area they have surveyed that could influence the species and abundances of birds they record. A subset of the data are analysed to estimate population changes of 14 bird species nationally and regionally, with results used to produce an annual State of Garden Birds report. The NZGBS is particularly effective at engaging diverse urban people in an authentic task that has multiple benefits, including providing a national valuable data set that can be used to inform environmental management and reporting.

Covering anywhere in New Zealand where a citizen observer chose to make observations.

A citizen science project that is run annually over one week (two weekends) in late June to early July. Participants record the maximum number of each species of bird observed (seen or heard) in a one-hour period. Participants are asked questions about survey location, survey area size, vegetation type in the survey area, whether the birds were fed during the survey (and what type of food), and whether there was a bird bath available.

Strategic Science Investment Fund, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.