Full Story Who will take the trophy in bird of the year 2025?
Oct 8, 2025
Gabrielle Jackson, Deputy Editor at Guardian Australia with a focus on environment and culture, joins Sean Dooley, a leading figure at BirdLife Australia, for a lively discussion around the Bird of the Year poll. They explore past election scandals, including vote-rigging attempts, and debate which Australian birds might represent political slogans. With a mix of humor and serious conservation messages, they highlight the importance of supporting threatened species, like the regent honeyeater, while encouraging listeners to engage with local bird life.
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From Kiwi Fun To National Event
- The Bird of the Year started as a playful trans-Tasman idea inspired by New Zealand's vote.
- Partnering with BirdLife Australia turned it into a nationwide public event beyond niche birders.
Everyday Birds Drive Public Passion
- Australians engage because birds are ubiquitous and form the soundtrack of daily life.
- That everyday presence gives everyone an opinion and emotional attachment to species.
Birding Became Culturally Mainstream
- Bird interest spans demographics: people share personal bird stories, making birding less niche than before.
- That cultural shift broadened support for the poll beyond hardcore 'bird nerds.'