Birds are an essential part of the planet. But the environment they live in is increasingly dangerous and threatens their survival. Special attention is paid to migratory birds. Their migration is important to the cycle of nature, which is why World Migratory Bird Day was created. It draws attention to the need to spread awareness of the threats and challenges they face.

Bird migration is a fascinating phenomenon to observe in nature. Millions of birds make their way across continents and oceans every year. Their ability to fly thousands of kilometres is fascinating. So we should make sure that bird populations do not decline.

The history and origins of the day

International Migratory Bird Day was first established in 1993, but the project has gradually grown into a much bigger and more significant event. In 2018, it was merged with International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD), bringing the two campaigns together under the name World Migratory Bird Day. It combines two conventions: the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA). The day has gradually become a global celebration that supports individuals, organisations and communities. The aim is to ensure the conservation of these birds and to spread awareness about the conservation of migratory routes such as the Afro-Asian and East Asian-Australian flyways.

━━ ( Source: Jim Glab /  iStockphoto )

How and when to celebrate

World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated twice a year. First, on the second Saturday in May. It focuses on the countries of the northern hemisphere, from where the birds travel to their breeding grounds. The second is always the second Saturday in October, which is celebrated in the areas from which the birds fly to their wintering grounds. This autumn’s Migratory Bird Day falls on 11 October.

Challenges facing migratory birds

The purpose of this day is to highlight the challenges faced by migratory birds. One of these is the loss of habitats where they rest during their migratory journeys. This is also linked to the fragmentation of the landscape. Their movements are complicated by the development of land, which disrupts the integrity of nature. Climate change is also having an impact. Changing weather disrupts migration, with some birds even changing their routes. Food shortages are also a problem. In particular, the decline in the number of insects, which serve as the main source of food, is a major problem. Glass buildings that attract them and into which they crash are also a threat.

Birds as continental connectors

World Migratory Bird Day shows that birds connect the world. They fly thousands of kilometres across the planet. Migration shows that they are not connected to one place, but belong to the whole world. They connect nature and people. And that’s why we should take care not to drive them to extinction ourselves.