New Holland honeyeaters, silvereyes and red wattlebirds are just some of the species Central Victorians can expect to see in their gardens during this year's Aussie Backyard Bird Count.
Data gathered during the annual citizen-scientist event will be used to help BirdLife Australia better understand birds in the region.
Jane Rusden, from BirdLife Australia's Castlemaine district, said Central Victoria boasted several key biodiversity areas and more than 200 bird species.
"One of my favourites is the little silvereyes … you have to look closely because they're tiny," Ms Rusden said.
"They are quite obvious because they have a white ring around their eye — hence the name silvereye or also occasionally white eye.
"New Holland honeyeaters, they've got these splashes of black and white with a little bit of yellow. They're a smallish bird with a sharp slightly down-curved black bill.
"The square-tailed kite, that's a more frequent visitor; they used to be very rare in this area and now I see them circling over my bush block and giving the local resident birds a hell of a fright."
Ms Rusden said the Central Victorian region's numerous habitats meant the area had a great diversity of bird species.
She said the habitat "up north" around Kerang and Echuca and along the Murray River differed greatly from areas such as the Terrick Terrick National Park, which was "a more arid patch of native bush and much more open than the box-ironbark that we have round the Castlemaine area".
"Then further south there's a lot more rainfall so the habitat's different again," she said.
BirdLife Australia's Sean Dooley said people wanting to participate in the bird count did not need "any fancy gear to take part" and the count did not have to be confined to their backyards.
"We want to hear about what you're seeing not just in your backyard but in your local park, down the creek or at the beach, anywhere that you spend time where you live," he said.
"Usually within 20 minutes you'll see most birds that are in one small area.
"You don't need to worry that you're not a full-on, hardcore bird watcher with all the latest gear, just eyes and ears and the app or a notebook is all you need."
Mount Alexander Shire Council's manager of parks, recreation and community facilities, Cath Olive, said the event was not just good for the birds, it was a great way to boost mental health by connecting with nature.
"The Aussie bird count is a great way to connect with the birds no matter where you happen to be," Ms Olive said.
"Take time out and get involved in the count from your garden, a local park, bushland or on the street.
The Aussie Backyard Bird Count runs from the October 19 to 25.
