WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY
World Migratory Bird Day is observed twice a year during the second Saturday in May and again on the second Saturday in October. The goal is to raise awareness of issues affecting migratory birds and to inspire action around the world to take measures for their conservation.
Migrating birds may fly from 15 to 600 miles or more per day during migration, depending on when they are migrating, how far they have to go, and the conditions they face along the route. While most migrating birds fly at heights lower than 2,000 feet, birds have been recorded migrating at up to 30,000 feet high, a record held by the bar-headed goose. Hawks, swifts, swallows, and waterfowl migrate primarily during the day, while many songbirds migrate at night, in part to avoid the attention of migrating predators.
“If I had to choose, I would rather have birds than airplanes.” – Charles Lindbergh
“I feel I am strange to all but the birds of America.” – John James Audubon
HOW TO OBSERVE #BirdDay
Start a journal of birds you can see migrating through your neighborhood.
Download a bird watching app to your smartphone and take it on a visual search for birds in your neighborhood.
Enjoy one of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service activities to mark World Migratory Bird Day.
Use #MigratoryBirdDay or #BirdDay to share on social media.
Throughout North America, events, programs and activities are happening at protected areas, parks, museums, schools, zoos, and more, including many national wildlife refuges. As many as 700 events and programs are hosted annually to introduce the public to migratory birds and ways to conserve them.
WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY HISTORY
Since 1993, the Environment for the Americas coordinates the bi-yearly observances of World Migratory Bird Day. Dozens of organizations sponsor events including the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
DATES
14 May 2022
13 May 2023
11 May 2024
10 May 2025
9 May 2026
8 May 2027
13 May 2028
12 May 2029
12 October 2022
14 October 2023
12 October 2024
11 October 2025
14 October 2026
9 October 2027
11 October 2028
13 October 2029
