May 9

World Migratory Bird Day

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day by taking a trip to your local park and enjoy the beauty of nature with our feathered friends!

Yearly Date

Second Saturday in May

Observed

Internationally

Introduction

The second Saturday of May each year marks an important occasion – World Migratory Bird Day! Every year, millions of birds migrate from their winter homes in the south to their summer homes in the north. This incredible migration helps maintain a healthy balance in nature and is an amazing sight to behold. Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day by learning more about these fascinating creatures and how you can help protect them. There are plenty of ways to get involved, so let's come together and show our appreciation for these beautiful animals!

World Migratory Bird Day Timeline

1903

First Bird Sanctuary

President Theodore Roosevelt establishes Pelican Island in Florida as the first federal bird reservation, marking a significant commitment to bird conservation.

1918

Migratory Bird Treaty Act

The United States and Great Britain (on behalf of Canada) sign the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, providing federal protection for various bird species as they migrate between countries.

1951

International Recognition

The International Council for Bird Preservation (now known as BirdLife International) is formed, bringing international attention to bird conservation efforts.

1993

BirdLife's Global Campaign

BirdLife International launches the first global campaign to prevent the extinction of all bird species threatened with extinction.

2006

First World Migratory Bird Day

The first World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated, raising awareness about the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats.

2018

Year-round Celebration

World Migratory Bird Day extends to two annual peak days (second Saturday in May and October), reflecting the cyclical journey of migratory birds globally.

How to Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day

1 Go bird watching

Take the day to explore your local parks, forests or other natural areas. Grab a pair of binoculars and go see some of the amazing migratory birds that are visiting your area.

2 Create bird friendly habitats

Set up bird feeders, bird baths, and nesting boxes in your backyard to encourage birds to stay in your area. You can also plant native plants that will attract birds to your yard.

3 Take part in a citizen science project

Citizen science projects are a great way to get involved with migratory birds. Participate in bird counts, surveys, or other projects to help scientists better understand the migratory patterns of birds.

4 Support conservation efforts

Donate to conservation organizations that are working to protect migratory birds and their habitats or volunteer with an organization in your area.

5 Educate yourself and others

Learn more about migratory birds and share your knowledge with friends and family. Read books, watch movies, or attend lectures about migratory birds and their importance for our planet.

Why World Migratory Bird Day is Important

Migratory birds are important for global biodiversity

Migratory birds play an important role in maintaining balance in the ecosystems they visit. They provide invaluable benefits through pollination, seed dispersal and pest control, making them a vital part of keeping our environment healthy and diverse.

Migratory birds connect people all over the world

The annual journeys that migratory birds take often span thousands of miles, connecting people from different cultures and backgrounds. Through the celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, people around the globe unite to raise awareness about these incredible creatures and their importance to both nature and humanity.

Migratory birds bring beauty to our world

The sight of a flock of migrating birds soaring in the sky is spellbinding. From geese flying in V formation to tiny hummingbirds flitting from flower to flower, watching migratory birds is a truly special experience that adds beauty to each day.