Welcome to the New South Wales Bird Atlassers Inc.
Understanding birds, sharing knowledge, supporting the future of our birds and their habitats
We are a community of people who share a passion for birds and the environments in which they live.
Since 1982, members of the New South Wales Bird Atlassers Inc. (NSWBA) have been observing and recording birds across our Atlas region—the NSWBA area of interest—which includes mainland New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and the western Tasman Sea, including Lord Howe Island and other islands west of 160° longitude.
Together, these observations have created one of Australia’s longest-running programs monitoring bird distributions, population change, and how habitats are used by birds.
Why birds matter
Birds are among the most visible and valued parts of our natural environment. They connect people with nature and help us understand the health of the landscapes and seascapes around us.
Birds respond to changes in their environment. Recording changes in where birds occur, how often they are reported, and how they use different habitats can provide important insights into broader ecological changes.
By observing birds over time, we gain a better understanding of the environments we share and the challenges facing native species.
The value of observing birds
Birdwatching is about more than finding unusual species or adding birds to a list. It is about developing a deeper awareness of the natural world around us.
Many observers find that learning about birds—their calls, behaviours, habitats and seasonal patterns—changes the way they experience the places where they live. Familiar landscapes become richer when we understand the birds that share them with us.
Every observation has value. A bird recorded in a backyard, local park, farm, wetland or forest contributes to a much larger understanding of our natural environment.
Our Atlas: knowledge built over generations
The NSWBA Atlas is based on observations contributed by people who know and appreciate birds. For more than forty years, generations of observers have contributed records using consistent methods, creating a valuable long-term dataset.
These records help us understand:
- where birds occur;
- which habitats they use;
- how their distributions and populations change over time;
- how environmental changes may be affecting bird populations.
The value of the Atlas comes from both its longevity and its coverage. Individual observations become much more powerful when combined over many years and across many landscapes and seascapes.
Working together for birds and their habitats
NSWBA is part of a community of people and organisations who care about Australia’s birds and natural environments.
We value the contributions of birdwatchers, researchers, landholders, community groups, conservation organisations and other bird groups. Each brings different knowledge, skills and experiences that contribute to a better understanding of our natural world.
Our aim is to work alongside others by providing a long-term perspective on birds, their habitats and how they are changing across our area of interest.
Be part of the story
Whether you are an experienced observer, someone beginning to explore the birds around you, a landholder interested in the wildlife on your property, or part of a community group caring for local environments, your observations can contribute to a greater understanding of our birds and their habitats.
Every record adds to the picture.
Together, we can continue building the knowledge needed to understand, appreciate and conserve the birds of our region.
Membership of NSWBA is open to anyone who would like to contribute to our understanding of birds and their habitats: download a Membership Application Form from our Downloads page.”