World Migratory Bird Day

What is World Migratory Bird Day?

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is a global conservation observance that holds a special place in the environmental calendar of the United States. It is not a traditional holiday marked by time off work or festive feasts, but rather a powerful, action-oriented campaign dedicated to celebrating the incredible journeys of migratory birds and raising urgent awareness about the challenges they face. The essence of this day lies in its ability to connect people across continents through the shared wonder of avian migration. It highlights how birds that breed in North American backyards may spend their winters in the Caribbean, Central America, or South America, weaving a delicate ecological tapestry that binds the Western Hemisphere together. This annual event serves as a critical reminder that the conservation of these species is a shared responsibility, requiring international cooperation and local action.

The core mission of World Migratory Bird Day is to educate the public and inspire conservation action. It focuses on the threats that have caused a precipitous decline in many bird populations, including habitat loss, climate change, light pollution, and collisions with man-made structures. By spotlighting these issues, WMBD empowers individuals, communities, and policymakers to make a difference. It provides a platform for scientists, educators, and conservation groups to share knowledge and mobilize volunteers for citizen science projects and habitat restoration efforts. The day transforms passive appreciation of birds into active stewardship, making it a vital tool in the fight to protect our planet’s biodiversity. It is a day of reflection on our impact and a call to action to ensure that the skies remain filled with the wonder of migratory flight for generations to come.

In the United States, the observance is particularly significant due to the country's position as a major breeding ground and migratory corridor for hundreds of species. From the warblers that flit through eastern forests to the shorebirds that refuel along the Gulf Coast and the waterfowl that grace the prairies, the U.S. is a critical hub in the annual cycle of these travelers. World Migratory Bird Day leverages this rich natural heritage to foster a deeper connection between Americans and their environment. It encourages people to look up, to listen, and to learn about the remarkable feats of endurance and navigation happening in their own local parks and wetlands. This focus on local engagement within a global framework is what makes the U.S. observance of WMBD both unique and impactful.

When is it in 2026?

In the United States, World Migratory Bird Day is observed on two key dates each year to coincide with the peak migration periods in the northern and southern hemispheres. The spring observance, which is the primary focus for U.S. events, takes place on the second Saturday in May. For 2026, this falls on May 9, 2026. This date is specifically chosen because it aligns with the northbound migration of countless species as they journey from their wintering grounds in Central and South America to their breeding habitats across the United States and Canada. The autumn observance, which highlights the southbound migration, is held on the second Saturday in October. This dual-event structure ensures that the message of conservation is relevant to birds throughout their entire migratory cycle.

The date for the spring observance is variable in the sense that it is tied to the calendar week, not a fixed day of the month. However, it will always be a Saturday in early May, creating a predictable and consistent window for event organizers and participants to plan their activities. This timing is crucial for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, as it often coincides with the most vibrant and active period for birding in North America. The arrival of warblers, tanagers, and other neotropical migrants in May is a highly anticipated event in the birding community, and World Migratory Bird Day provides the perfect focal point for celebrating this natural spectacle. The choice of a Saturday also maximizes public participation, allowing families, students, and working adults to take part in organized walks, festivals, and educational programs.

For 2026, the anticipation for the May 9th event is already building. With 81 days remaining until the official observance, conservation organizations, parks, and nature centers across the country are finalizing their event schedules. The countdown to Saturday is a period of preparation for what promises to be a nationwide outpouring of support for migratory birds. Whether it's a guided bird walk at a local park, a school assembly on bird migration, or a virtual seminar on conservation science, thousands of activities will be coordinated around this single, powerful date. It is a day that unites a diverse nation in a common cause, all centered on the shared experience of witnessing the annual return of migratory birds.

History and Origins

The story of World Migratory Bird Day in the United States is rooted in a much older and deeply American tradition of bird conservation. Its immediate predecessor was International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD), which was launched in 1993 by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center. This initial effort was designed to celebrate the incredible journeys of migratory birds that connect the Americas and to raise awareness about the need for international cooperation in their conservation. IMBD quickly gained traction, becoming a beloved event among bird enthusiasts, educators, and conservationists across the United States and Canada. It provided a dedicated day for parks, zoos, and nature centers to host events focused on the "long-distance travelers" of the avian world, fostering a sense of wonder and a call to action.

The evolution from IMBD to the current World Migratory Bird Day was driven by a desire for a more globally coordinated effort. In 2006, under the auspices of the United Nations' Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), the first official World Migratory Bird Day was observed. This move expanded the scope beyond the Americas to include a truly global audience, linking bird migration cycles across Africa, Europe, and Asia. However, the spirit and operational model of the original IMBD remained intact. In the United States, the transition was seamless, with the same core organizations and participants continuing their work under the new banner. The coordination of these events in the Western Hemisphere, including the U.S., is now led by the non-profit organization Environment for the Americas (EFTA), which carries on the legacy of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center.

The purpose of this unified global observance is to underscore the interconnectedness of ecosystems worldwide. Birds do not recognize political borders, and their survival depends on the availability of healthy habitats across continents. By creating a single, worldwide day of awareness, organizers aim to amplify the message that conservation is a shared global responsibility. The theme for each year is chosen to reflect pressing conservation issues. For instance, past themes have addressed the importance of wetlands, the impact of plastics, and the need for bird-friendly cities. The choice of "Birds Connect Our World" for 2026 is a powerful continuation of this mission, reminding us that the health of a desert stopover site in Mexico is just as critical to a bird's survival as the boreal forest where it will breed in Canada.

How People Celebrate and Participate

Observance of World Migratory Bird Day in the United States is characterized by its grassroots, community-driven nature. Unlike a national holiday with prescribed rituals, WMBD is marked by a vibrant and diverse array of activities organized by local groups and individuals. The most common form of celebration is, unsurprisingly, birdwatching. On and around the May 9th date, birding clubs, Audubon Society chapters, and park services host guided bird walks at key migration hotspots. These events are often free and open to the public, led by experienced birders who help novices identify species by sight and sound. Participants might visit coastal wetlands to see shorebirds, hike through forests to hear the songs of warblers, or explore grasslands to spot sparrows and thrushes. The goal is to provide a direct, personal encounter with migratory birds, fostering a sense of connection and a desire to protect them.

Beyond direct observation, education is a cornerstone of the WMBD celebration. A wide range of educational programs are held in schools, libraries, museums, and nature centers. These events take many forms, from school presentations for children complete with bird calls and interactive displays, to in-depth workshops for adults on topics like bird banding, habitat restoration, or the science of migration. A key element of the celebration is the annual artwork. Each year, a unique piece of art is commissioned to represent the theme and the migratory birds of a specific region (e.g., Africa, Asia, or the Americas). This artwork is used on posters, educational materials, and social media, creating a cohesive visual identity for the global event. Many local celebrations will feature this artwork in exhibits and activities, often alongside art created by local students.

In 2026, with the theme "Birds Connect Our World," expect to see events that emphasize these connections. This could include:

• Festivals: Larger-scale events, like those planned for Fort Tryon Park in New York City or in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, that combine bird walks with lectures, art exhibits, and family-friendly activities.
• Citizen Science: Events that engage the public in projects like bird counts or using apps like eBird to document sightings, contributing valuable data to scientists.
• Conservation Actions: Workshops on creating bird-friendly yards by planting native species, reducing pesticide use, and making windows safer to prevent collisions.
• Virtual Events: Webinars and online talks that allow people to participate from anywhere, learning from experts about migration challenges and conservation strategies.

Practical Information for Participants

For anyone in the United States looking to participate in World Migratory Bird Day on May 9, 2026, the best starting point is to find a local event. The official website, migratorybirdday.org, managed by Environment for the Americas, provides a comprehensive calendar of events. Additionally, local chapters of the National Audubon Society, state wildlife agencies, and local parks and recreation departments are excellent resources. Many of these events are free or have a very low cost, making them accessible to everyone. It is advisable to check event details in advance, as some may require pre-registration.

If you plan to join a bird walk or spend the day observing on your own, being prepared will greatly enhance your experience. The most essential item is a pair of binoculars. Even an inexpensive pair can bring distant birds into clear view, transforming a distant speck into a beautifully detailed creature. A field guide—either a physical book or a mobile app like the Merlin Bird ID—will be invaluable for identifying the species you see. The weather in May can be unpredictable and varies dramatically across the country. In the Northeast, it might be cool and crisp, while in the South, it could be quite warm and humid. Dressing in layers is always a smart strategy. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is a must, as bird walks often involve walking on uneven terrain.

To ensure a respectful and successful birding outing, there are a few key etiquette points to remember. The primary goal is to observe birds without causing them stress or altering their behavior. This means moving slowly and quietly, keeping a respectful distance, and avoiding loud noises. Wearing clothing in neutral, earthy colors (like green, brown, or gray) helps you blend into the environment and makes you less conspicuous to birds. Be mindful of your surroundings and stay on designated trails to protect fragile habitats. There are no special dress codes or food traditions associated with WMBD; the focus is entirely on the natural experience. Some larger events might have food trucks or craft vendors, but the main attraction is always the birds and the shared mission of conservation.

Is it a Public Holiday?

No, World Migratory Bird Day is not a public holiday in the United States. It is an environmental awareness observance, not a federal or state holiday. This means that on May 9, 2026, a regular Saturday in May, schools, businesses, and government offices will remain open and operate on their standard weekend schedules. There are no mandatory closures, and employees do not get the day off work. The distinction is important: while holidays like Memorial Day or Thanksgiving are designated for rest and national observance, World Migratory Bird Day is a "working" observance, designed for active participation in educational and conservation activities.

Because it falls on a weekend, the fact that it is not a public holiday does not hinder participation. In fact, it often makes it more convenient for the general public to get involved, as most people are not required to be at their workplaces or schools. The events are scheduled to take advantage of this, with bird walks and family activities predominantly occurring on the Saturday. For those in the education sector, some schools may choose to hold related activities on the preceding Friday or the following Monday, but this is at the discretion of individual schools and districts. The day is not part of the official academic calendar.

The open nature of the day is reflective of its spirit. It is not a day of closure but a day of opening our eyes to the world around us. Government offices like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Park Service are not closed; in fact, they are often key partners in hosting events and providing resources for the public. Mail will be delivered as usual on Saturday, and most retail stores will follow their normal weekend hours. The observance is integrated into the fabric of a normal weekend, encouraging people to dedicate a portion of their free time to connecting with nature and supporting a vital conservation cause. It is a day of action, not a day off.