World Migratory Bird Day

World Migratory Bird Day
Name	World Migratory Bird Day
Date	Second Saturday of May and Second Saturday of October
Frequency	Annual (biannual observance days)
First	1993
Organiser	Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds; Secretariat of the Convention on Migratory Species

World Migratory Bird Day is an international awareness-raising campaign that highlights the conservation of migratory birds and the importance of international cooperation for their protection. The observance brings together a diverse range of stakeholders including conservation organizations, intergovernmental bodies, research institutions, and community groups to promote migratory bird conservation through public events, education, and policy advocacy.

Overview

World Migratory Bird Day mobilizes attention to the risks faced by migratory species such as Arctic tern, Barn swallow, Whooping crane, Bar-tailed godwit, Red knot, Common eider, European robin, Siberian crane, Hooded vulture, and Monarch butterfly (as an analogous migratory insect referenced in outreach) by connecting conservation science, treaty mechanisms, and grassroots action. The campaign is promoted by international agreements and secretariats including the Convention on Migratory Species, the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, United Nations Environment Programme, and regional bodies such as the European Commission, African Union, ASEAN, and Mercosur partners. Key civil society participants include BirdLife International, Wetlands International, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International, Wildlife Conservation Society, and national ornithological societies like the American Birding Association and British Trust for Ornithology. Major funding and support have come from foundations and institutions such as the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Packard Foundation, National Geographic Society, Smithsonian Institution, Natural Resources Defense Council, and the MacArthur Foundation. The campaign intersects with scientific programs run by Cornell Lab of Ornithology, British Antarctic Survey, Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Lund University, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Yale University, University of British Columbia, University of Cape Town, University of Sao Paulo, Australian National University, and Peking University.

History and Origins

The observance emerged from initiatives in the early 1990s when conservationists linked feasibility of international treaties like the Convention on Migratory Species (established 1979) and regional instruments including the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement and the North American Bird Conservation Initiative. Early champions included organizations such as BirdLife International, Wetlands International, Ramsar Secretariat, and national agencies like the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Environment and Climate Change Canada. Milestones in the event’s development were influenced by global meetings like the Rio Earth Summit, the Convention on Biological Diversity conferences, and UN forums hosted by the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Environment Programme. Over the decades, endorsements by institutions such as the European Union, African Union Commission, Organisation of American States, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and cultural heritage partners like the Smithsonian Institution expanded outreach into schools, museums, and community programs.

Themes and Campaigns

Each year the campaign adopts thematic focuses that align with global conservation priorities and Sustainable Development Goals championed by the United Nations and regional agendas from bodies like the Council of Europe and African Development Bank. Past themes have addressed threats including habitat loss highlighted in reports by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, climate impacts documented by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, bycatch and fisheries interactions covered by the Food and Agriculture Organization, and pollution, pesticide use and contaminants examined by the World Health Organization and United Nations Environment Programme. Campaigns have partnered with media outlets such as the BBC, National Geographic, The Guardian, New York Times, and Al Jazeera to amplify messages, and with technology platforms including Google, Apple, eBird, iNaturalist, and Facebook for citizen science engagement. Thematic toolkits have been co-produced with museums and education centers like the Natural History Museum, London, American Museum of Natural History, Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, and Royal Ontario Museum.

Observances and Activities

Local and international observances include guided birdwatching by bird clubs such as the American Birding Association and BirdLife International partners, habitat restoration with NGOs like The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International, cleanup campaigns coordinated with organizations such as Ocean Conservancy and Surfrider Foundation, and policy briefings organized for delegates to the Convention on Biological Diversity and national legislatures including the UK Parliament and United States Congress. Educational programming has been implemented in schools via collaborations with institutions such as UNICEF, World Bank Education Sector, International Union for Conservation of Nature, and universities including University of Nairobi and Makerere University. Events often feature artists and cultural institutions like the Getty Museum, Tate Modern, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and community festivals in cities such as Paris, New York City, Cape Town, Delhi, Beijing, São Paulo, Sydney, and Tokyo.

Conservation Impact and Partnerships

The campaign supports conservation actions that align with bird protection measures enacted under treaties such as the Ramsar Convention, the Convention on Migratory Species, and regional frameworks including the European Union Birds Directive and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States. Partnerships with research consortia and monitoring initiatives like eBird, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, World Bird Names, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List inform priorities for species such as Kirtland's warbler, California condor, Atlantic puffin, Spoon-billed sandpiper, Socorro dove, and Philippine eagle. Conservation funding, stewardship programs, and capacity building have involved agencies and foundations including the European Investment Bank, Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility, BirdLife Partners, and national parks administrations like National Park Service (United States), Kruger National Park authority, and Parks Canada.

Participation and Global Events

Global participation spans continents and sectors, engaging city governments such as New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, City of London Corporation, and municipal partners in Mumbai, Mexico City, Lagos, and Jakarta. Citizen science and academic networks including Cornell Lab of Ornithology, British Trust for Ornithology, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Australian Museum coordinate large-scale monitoring. Annual flagship events have been hosted at venues including Central Park, Hyde Park, Table Mountain National Park, Yosemite National Park, Masai Mara, Amazonas National Park (Brazil), and urban nature reserves managed by organizations like Wildlife Conservation Society and City Nature Challenge collaborators. The campaign’s broad coalition continues to draw support from international financial institutions, philanthropic foundations, media, and community leaders to advance protection for migratory species across flyways such as the East Atlantic Flyway, Americas Flyway, Central Asian Flyway, and East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

Category:Bird conservation