World Migratory Bird Day in the United States

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is an annual global awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. In the United States, WMBD is celebrated on two days each year: the second Saturday in May and in October, to correspond with the peak migration periods.

History:

• Established: The day was initiated in 2006 by the United Nations Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).
• Purpose: It was created to help turn the world’s attention to the wonders of bird migration and the importance of protecting these incredible species as they travel vast distances across countries and continents.
• Global Partnership: WMBD is now a collaborative effort between two UN treaties - AEWA and CMS (Convention on Migratory Species) - as well as other organizations involved in bird conservation.

Traditions and Activities:

• Educational Programs: Wildlife refuges, parks, zoos, and birding clubs offer guided bird-watching trips, educational talks, and workshops.
• Community Events: Local community events often include festivals with activities for children, art competitions, and live music.
• Conservation Actions: Participants engage in habitat restoration projects such as planting native plants or removing invasive species to benefit migratory birds.

On World Migratory Bird Day, people across the U.S. participate by observing birds, learning about their migration patterns, participating in bird counts, and taking action to protect birds. The day serves both an educational purpose for raising awareness about threats to migratory birds such as habitat loss and climate change while also celebrating their incredible journey.