I plan to do the usual bird survey this year during Bird Week, between the 23rd and 29th of October 2017. Also this year I will look at doing the National Australian White Ibis survey as well, given that we are going to be living much closer to one of the local wetland areas.
The Australian White Ibis, Threskionis molucca, is a highly visible native water bird in New South Wales and I suspect most other Australian states. Prior to the 1970s, the White Ibis was rarely sighted in urban areas and did not breed in the Sydney region. Instead it followed the non-permanent waters of inland lakes and rivers. Due to extensive droughts and changes in water regimes, White Ibis have sought refuge in coastal wetlands and have managed to adapt well to the regular water and food supply available in urban environments. They are now a common site in parks where they feed on invertebrates (beetle larvae etc.), crustaceans (yabbies etc.) and handouts (bread etc.).
Since 2003, the NSW Office of Environment & Heritage have been running a community survey where they ask members of the public to record their White Ibis sightings.
If you can find yourself a local area to survey it is simply a matter of filling in the on-line sighting form found here.
The Aussie Backyard Bird Count runs from the 23rd of October to the 29th. The White Ibis survey runs between the 21st of October to the 29th.