World Migratory Bird Day 2023: Date, Theme & Facts

World Migratory Bird Day is a two-day celebration on the second Saturday of May and October and it raises awareness of the need to protect migrating birds and their habitats. Supporters of this global awareness effort include the United Nations, among many others. World Migratory Bird Day 2023 is observed on the 13th of May and 14th of October 2023. People worldwide organize public events including bird festivals, educational initiatives, and bird-watching trips in honor of World Migratory Bird Day.

What is World Migratory Bird Day?

World Migratory Bird Day is observed worldwide every year with the goal of raising awareness of migrating birds and the necessity of worldwide cooperation for their conservation. It is observed on the second Saturday of May and October. The UN’s Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds organized this event to raise awareness of the connections between migrations around the world. There have been activities commemorating World Migratory Bird Day in 118 countries. The United Nations selects a unifying theme for official activities every year.

What is the Theme of World Migratory Bird Day 2023?

“Water: Sustaining Bird Life.” is the Theme of World Migratory Bird Day 2023. World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated on the second Saturday in May in the US and Canada whereas, on the second Saturday in October in the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Mexico. Through this initiative, the general public is made aware of the importance of preserving breeding, non-breeding, and stopover habitats for migratory birds in order to preserve healthy bird populations.

Theme of World Migratory Bird Day 2024

The World Migratory Bird Day 2024 will be officially observe on the 11th May and 12th October 2024 and the theme of the World Migratory Bird Day 2024 is ‘Birds Connect Our World‘.

World Migratory Bird Day 2024	Sat, 11th May 2024
World Migratory Bird Day 2024	Sat, 12th May 2024
World Migratory Bird Day 2024 Theme	Birds Connect Our World

History and Background of World Migratory Bird Day

In 2006, the Secretariat of the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) proposed World Migratory Bird Day. The African-Eurasian Waterbird Convention (AEWA) is an international convention committed to the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats in Africa and Eurasia. The event used to be known as “International Migratory Bird Day.” The event was renamed “World Migratory Bird Day” in 2018 to underline its global importance and to include migrating birds from all regions, not simply the African-Eurasian flyways.

Every year, World Migratory Bird Day focuses on a different topic related to migratory birds and their conservation. These themes can range from climate change to habitat protection to the significance of reducing illegal hunting and trading. Various events and activities are held around the world to commemorate the occasion. Outings for birdwatching, educational programs, art displays, and conservation initiatives are examples of such activities. Events are frequently organized by organizations, governments, and communities to commemorate migrating birds and their conservation. Many organizations, including governments, non-governmental organizations, and conservation groups, support World Migratory Bird Day. These collaborations provide to assure the event’s global reach and efficacy.

Importance of World Migratory Bird Day

World Migratory Bird Day is observed worldwide every year with the goal of raising awareness of migrating birds and the necessity of worldwide cooperation for their conservation. World Migratory Bird Day is important for following reasons:

• Migratory Bird Conservation: Migratory birds often face threats during their lengthy migration such as habitat loss, climate change, poaching and pollution. World Migratory Bird Day raises awareness of these concerns and promotes awareness about the conservation of migratory birds.
• International Cooperation: Migratory birds cross continents and flyways, not just national borders. As a result, their preservation requires worldwide cooperation. World Migratory Bird Day emphasizes the need for international cooperation in protecting and conserving these species.
• Conservation of Biodiversity: Migratory birds are essential to ecosystems all around the world. They frequently function as markers of environmental health and aid in pollination, seed dissemination, and insect population control. Their preservation is essential for the survival of healthy ecosystems and the general biodiversity of our planet.
• Education and Awareness: The World Migratory Bird Day provides an opportunity to educate the public, particularly young people, about the importance of migrating birds in our environment. It creates respect for these wonderful creatures, their unique behaviors, and their significance in many cultures. Educating people about the threats to these birds motivates them to take action to protect them.
• Cultural and Ecological Importance: Migratory birds are culturally and ecologically significant in many regions of the world. They have an important role in folklore, traditions, and art. Also, their movements might have ecological consequences since they transport nutrients and alter plant communities in various ecosystems. World Migratory Bird Day emphasizes these features and encourages cultural celebrations of these birds.
• Climate Change Awareness: Migratory birds can be sensitive to climate change indicators. Changes in their migration patterns and timing can reveal information about climate change and its effects on ecosystems. The World Migratory Bird Day raises awareness of these climate-related concerns, as well as the necessity for proactive steps to reduce the consequences of climate change on migrating birds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, World Migratory Bird Day is essential for promoting the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats, encouraging international cooperation, increasing awareness of the ecological and cultural importance of these birds, and encouraging individuals and communities to take action to protect these species. It is important in addressing global conservation issues and maintaining biodiversity.

FAQs – World Migratory Bird Day

1. What is the Theme for World Migratory Bird Day 2023?

Water and its relevance for Migratory Birds is the theme of World Migratory Bird Day, which took place on May 13, 2023, and was a highlight of the day because water is essential to life on Earth. Water environments are essential to migrating birds throughout the majority of their life cycles.

2. Why do We Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day?

The goal of World Migratory Bird Day is to increase public awareness of the importance of protecting migratory birds and their habitats. It seeks to raise awareness of the dangers migratory birds face, the significance of their ecosystem, and the necessity of global cooperation in order to protect them.

3. On Which Date is World Migratory Bird Day 2023 being Celebrated?

Official dates for World Migratory Bird Day 2023 were May 13 and October 14. The cyclical nature of bird migration and the different peak migration times in the northern and southern hemispheres are reflected in the two days of World Migratory Bird Day.

4. Who Organizes the World Migratory Bird Day?

The East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), Environment for the Americas (EFTA), the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA), and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) coordinate the yearly campaign.

5. When was the First World Migratory Bird Day?

In April 2006, African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) and Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) held the inaugural World Migratory Bird Day in Ms. Kuki Gallmann’s renowned wildlife reserve, “Ol Ari Nyiro,” in Laikipia, Kenya.

6. How many times a Year is the World Migratory Birds Day Celebrated?

The second Saturday of May and October mark the biannual celebration of the Day. A worldwide initiative to increase public awareness of migrating birds and the necessity of international collaboration for their conservation.