International Migratory Bird Day
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Where is International Migratory Bird Day celebrated?
Initially, International Migratory Bird Day was celebrated in about 600 sites across North, Central, and South America. However, World Migratory Bird Day has grown to be a global campaign celebrated in most continents across the globe.
Who is International Migratory Bird Day celebrated by?
Individuals and organizations from across the world come together to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day in different forms, from exhibitions to bird festivals.
When did International Migratory Bird Day first start?
In 1993, three organizations in the United States started the concept of International Migratory Bird Day.
Who started International Migratory Bird Day?
The US Fish and Wildlife Service, the iconic Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, and the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center came up with the idea for conserving the habitat and livelihood of migratory birds. Hence, International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) was created to promote environmental education and conservation programs for migratory birds throughout the Americas.
History And Timeline
International Migratory Bird Day was established with the goal of promoting migratory bird conservation throughout the Western Hemisphere. The peregrine falcon was the focus of attention in the first IMBD celebration. International Migratory Bird Day has been renamed World Migratory Bird Day.
Birth Of World Migratory Bird Day
On May 6, 2006, World Migratory Bird Day was first introduced by the Secretariat of the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) in support of the Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).
2006Joint Migratory Birds Day
During a COP12 meeting in the Philippines city of Manila, the CMS, the Environment for the Americas (EFTA), and AEWA launched an innovative collaboration to combine two of the world's largest education campaigns for bird species; International Migratory Bird Day and World Migratory Bird Day.
2017World Migratory Bird Day
The first joint campaign, World Migratory Bird Day, was launched. This awareness day is now held twice a year. The first would be held on the second Saturday of May, while the second celebration is in October (especially in Latin America) when bird migration is at its peak around the world.
2018Stop Plastic Pollution
Every year, a theme is assigned to World Migratory Bird Day. The theme for 2019 was protecting birds from the evil of plastic pollution. The goal was to raise awareness about how migratory birds and their nesting habitats were being harmed by rampant plastic pollution.
2019Migratory Bird Song
World Migratory Bird Day 2021 adopted the theme of Sing, Fly, Soar: Like a Bird! The theme guided bird enthusiasts to connect with nature by paying attention to bird sounds. Migratory bird songs can be heard whether they are in nesting habitats or non-breeding grounds.
2021Traditions And Customs
In the United States and Canada, WMBD is celebrated every year on the second Saturday in May. However, in Latin America, which is the wintering grounds for many birds, WMBD is celebrated every year on the second Saturday in October.
Global Big Day is an event that is organized by The Cornell Lab on the occasion of WMBD. This event brings together professional and amateur bird watchers to celebrate migratory birds and other birds around them. Birders can list their sightings on the 'ebird' app where it is combined and the collected data helps scientists better understand bird behavior.
Ways To Observe Or Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day
There are many different ways you can observe or celebrate International Migratory Bird Day. First, you can participate in the official events organized by the hosts. These can include activities such as bird watching tours to identify birds, photo exhibitions, educational workshops, and webinars. Information can be found on the primary website of World Migratory Bird Day.
You can also be proactive and host a related activity. To maximize your efforts and connect with like-minded individuals, you can register this activity at the official website. Based on the theme of the occasion, special campaigns are designed that allow you to creatively support the celebrations. This includes photo contests and much more.
Facts And Stats
- World Migratory Bird Day is actually celebrated on the second Saturday of both May (North America) and October (South America) every year.
- The day is said to have started in the Western Hemisphere, however, now the whole world celebrates it.
- The founding partners of WMBD are The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), Environment for the Americas (EAFT), and the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).
- Every year a theme is assigned to focus on a specific aspect related to migratory birds. For example, for World Migratory Bird Day 2021, the theme put a spotlight on a migratory bird song.
Why is International Migratory Bird Day so important?
A day of ecological importance, International Migratory Bird Day is a global campaign designed to celebrate migratory birds. The goal of World Migratory Bird Day is to spread awareness about migratory birds, their habitat, threats, and conservation efforts.
How does celebrating International Migratory Bird Day help birds?
Environmental awareness and sustainable development are the key focus of celebrating International Migratory Bird Day. Individuals across the globe are sensitized to the plight of migratory species due to active threats to the natural world like plastic pollution and climate change. This prompts international cooperation and action towards migratory bird conservation.
How can I help birds on International Migratory Bird Day?
There are many ways you can protect birds on World Migratory Bird Day. Either you can participate in exhibitions, social media campaigns, bird walks, or contribute to bird conservation projects run by any non-profit organization across Central and South America.
How can I persuade other people to help birds on International Migratory Bird Day?
You can persuade other people to join the cause by sharing information about World Migratory Bird Day through social media or in-person interaction. You can also help event hosts to circulate environmental education resources that act as bird conservation guides.
When Is This Day Celebrated
- Friday, May 08, 2020
- Friday, May 07, 2021
- Friday, May 13, 2022
- Friday, May 12, 2023
- Friday, May 10, 2024
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