World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD), PIF’s keystone education and outreach program, is the only international education program that highlights and celebrates the migration of nearly 350 species of migratory birds between nesting habitats in North America and non-breeding grounds in Latin America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Each year IMBD explores a different aspect of migratory birds and their conservation and reaches youth and adults across the Western Hemisphere through festivals, education programs, the media, presentations, and more.
When is World Migratory Bird Day 2020?
World Migratory Bird Day officially takes place on the second Saturday in May (May 9, 2020) and the second Saturday in October (October 10, 2020) to accommodate arrival on breeding and non-breeding grounds. However, we encourage everyone to celebrate when it works best for them and the birds and now have activities, programs, and events year-round. Because of the current COVID-19 situation, we will be hosting virtual activities. Learn more about World Migratory BIRD DAY LIVE.
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WMBD is coordinated by Environment for the Americas (EFTA), which works to incorporate PIF. For more information, visit our website at migratorybirdday.org and contact EFTA at info@environmentamericas.org
2020 Theme – “Birds Connect Our World”
The 2020 World Migratory Bird Day conservation theme, Birds Connect Our World, focuses on the tracking technologies used to explore the routes of migratory birds across the globe, and how this knowledge is used to inform conservation. We follow the journeys of 12 selected migratory bird species, explore the ways we track their migrations, examine the threats they face along the way, and highlight the communities on the ground that are working to protect them.
Visit the World Migratory Bird Day website for more information.
How to participate
It’s easy to participate in WMBD as a host site, a volunteer, or a participant. A WMBD event provides the public an opportunity to learn about birds and their conservation. Organizers may not only share the amazing world of birds with their students, members, and visitors, but also leave them with tangible, practical ways to take part in bird conservation. IMBD events vary from morning bird walks, to classroom programs, public presentations, bird counts, one-day events, and multi-day festivals. To learn more about creating your IMBD program, contact Environment for the Americas at info@environmentamericas.org.
When is WMBD celebrated?
The official date for WMBD in the U.S. and Canada is the second Saturday in May each year. We recognize, however, that this isn’t always the best time for you or the birds. For participants to the south, migratory birds may have already passed through. And to the north, this date may be too early. We encourage you to host a program, event, or festival when birds are present and when it best suits your schedule. Today, WMBD programs, events, and festivals are held year-round.May is not an ideal time to celebrate migratory birds in countries to the south! On the birds’ wintering grounds, the official date for WMBD is the second Saturday in October. The date varies throughout the region as well. In Costa Rica, some WMBD events begin as early as February. In Caribbean countries, in October. And festivities in Colombia beginning September.
WMBD is a great way to bring kids together and demonstrate a passion and conservation ethic for birds.