BuddyPress.org

Hi @transmission,

this is not the solution, but an example for your inspiration.
The below shows how the notification counter can be moved/implemented on the toolbar.

/* moving the notification counter from right to left */
remove_action( 'admin_bar_menu', 'bp_members_admin_bar_notifications_menu', 90 );
function bpfr_notification_ontheleft() {
	global $wp_admin_bar;
	
	if ( !is_user_logged_in() )
	return false;
	
	$notifications = bp_core_get_notifications_for_user( bp_loggedin_user_id(), 'object' );
	$count         = !empty( $notifications ) ? count( $notifications ) : 0;
	$alert_class   = (int) $count > 0 ? 'pending-count alert' : 'count no-alert';
	$menu_title    = '<span id="ab-pending-notifications" class="' . $alert_class . '">' . $count . '</span>';
	
	// Add the top-level Notifications button
	$wp_admin_bar->add_menu( array(
 /*'parent'    => 'top-secondary',*/  // this is the original position
	'id'        => 'bp-notifications',
	'title'     => $menu_title,
	'href'      => bp_loggedin_user_domain(),
	) );
	
	if ( !empty( $notifications ) ) {
		foreach ( (array) $notifications as $notification ) {
			$wp_admin_bar->add_menu( array(
			'parent' => 'bp-notifications',
			'id'     => 'notification-' . $notification->id,
			'title'  => $notification->content,
			'href'   => $notification->href
			) );
		}
	} else {
		$wp_admin_bar->add_menu( array(
		'parent' => 'bp-notifications',
		'id'     => 'no-notifications',
		'title'  => __( 'No new notifications', 'buddypress' ),
		'href'   => bp_loggedin_user_domain()
		) );
	}
	
	return;
}
add_action( 'admin_bar_menu', 'bpfr_notification_ontheleft',30);
/* other position # are 10, 20, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 */

In your case, you also have to check this Codex page. And possibly do some research here.