On October 8 we will know which of our fascinating native birds will be number one for 2021.

Since the polls opened, voting has been spirited, with over eight thousand votes recorded within three hours of the polls opening.

Currently frontrunners are the Gang Gang cockatoo and the Superb Fairy Wren.

Last year's winner was the Black Throated finch, a threatened species whose habitat is threatened by the Adani coal mine.

Like the Black Throated finch, many of our birds are threatened by land clearing, development and bushfires.

The 2017 Bird of the Year was the Australian Magpie, narrowly edging out the Australian White Ibis, affectionately known as" the "bin chicken" because of its scavenging habits.

The success of the magpie may come as a surprise to those cyclists and pedestrians who have been attacked by magpies during their nesting season.

However, the poll result suggests that many of us are fans of magpies despite the enthusiasm with which they defend their nestlings.

The magpie is the favourite bird of Margaret Barlow who says " My earliest memories of magpies was of being swooped as a child, but now I feed the family who live in my area of Molong Road.

"I restrict the amount I give them. I also mix an insect powder with the mince meat.

"I have been told that magpies have very good memories and will not swoop someone who feeds them.

"I sit on my verandah and feed them at the same time each morning, so they know when to come," she said.

"Sometimes all seven of the current family come at the same time, and they tend to line up in the same order each time.

"I love the fact that they are so individual. At present the two one year olds from the same nesting are the shyest and boldest I have ever seen," Ms Barlow said.

"One followed the adults' lead and would hop on my hand very early last year. The other has only taken food from my outstretched hand in the last month or so."

No prizes for guessing which bird Margaret will be voting for.

We can all register our vote by googling "Australia's Favourite Bird 2021" and following the instructions.

Voting closes at midnight on Thursday October 7.