The Backyard Species Discovery project was originally developed in response to COVID lockdowns and we thought there might be a few people interested in what’s in their backyard.

Last night we hit a massive 100,000 observations! Way more than we ever dreamed of. A huge thank you to all the citizen scientists and experts who have contributed their time and expertise to the project.

We know it's not just about the numbers and are dedicated to helping project members contribute high quality observations. We hope we’ve been able to do that through feedback to individuals as well as the fact sheets and videos available on our website.

Even though we plan to recommence on-ground Bush Blitz expeditions very soon, the overwhelming support and feedback we have received from members, and the taxonomic community that use this data, means Backyard Species Discovery will continue into 2021 and beyond. The Bush Blitz Scientific Reference Group has confirmed that taxonomists have already found the data highly valuable, so keep those great records coming!

We'd love to know what you think. Whether you're a citizen scientist or an expert, tell us what you've liked, what we could do better or what you'd like to see more of. You can comment below, send us a message via iNaturalist or email us at bushblitz@awe.gov.au.

We can't wait to see the next 100,000 observations!

Wallflower Orchid (Diuris orientis), © Geoffrey Cox

This National Bird Week we encourage you to take a closer look at your backyard birds.

If you're taking part in Birdlife Australia's annual Aussie Backyard Bird Count, which runs until Sunday 25 October 2020, why not take a photo of some of the birds you see and upload the records to the Backyard Species Discovery project!

Satin Bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus), © deborod

Can you help us create the creepiest social media post for Halloween?

To enter the challenge, add records of Halloween worthy critters or plants to the Backyard Species Discovery project and send the relevant links to bushblitz@awe.gov.au by midday this Friday 30 October. The best images will be shared on Halloween via Bush Blitz social media and the winner will be sent an official Bush Blitz cap.

Cabbage White Parasitoid Wasp (Cotesia glomerata), © janr

This parasitic wasp lays its eggs in the larvae of Pieris species. After 15 to 20 days, the larvae burst out of the caterpillar, killing their host, like in the Aliens movie. Who needs horror movies?