World Migratory Bird Day

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700 annual events and programs dedicated to introducing the public to migratory birds and ways to conserve them

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Hundreds of events from around the world, dedicated to the conservation of migratory species

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World Migratory Bird Day 2022

World Migratory Bird Day is officially celebrated on the second Saturday of May in Canada and the US (May 14th in 2022), and the second Saturday of October in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean (October 8th in 2022). However, every day is Bird Day, and you can celebrate birds and host events any day of the year!

Dim the lights for birds at night

Light pollution attracts and disorients nocturnally migrating birds, making them more likely to land in areas where they are more vulnerable to collisions and other dangers. At least 100 million birds die every year from colliding with buildings in the United States alone. Artificial light also impacts birds in the breeding and winter seasons, disrupting feeding and other vital behaviors. Because artificial light affects birds in so many ways, it is impossible to know just how many birds are impacted by light pollution every year around the globe. Throughout the year we will spread the message to “dim the lights for birds at night” and highlight the steps that individuals, communities, and governments can take to reduce the impact of light pollution on our shared birds. Contact us at info@environmentamericas.org with any questions.

Statements of Support for World Migratory Bird Day 2022

Kimbery Becerril, Geospatial Analyst, Greeninfo Network

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As we approach the 2022 World Migratory Bird Day, I am eager to echo Environment for the Americas efforts of bringing attention to the impact of light pollution on the migratory bird ecosystem. As our planet rapidly urbanizes, it is pertinent for humans to create a sustainable and hospitable world for all species. In addition to inviting individuals to join our effort of reducing light pollution, I hope that local governments will support and encourage their constituents in this effort, while also leading by example.

Michael Mesure, Executive Director, FLAP Canada

The issue of lights at night, and its damaging impact on birds and the natural environment, has become a leading conservation concern across the globe. Fortunately, this is an issue that is easy to resolve. In fact, how often can we say that at the simple flick of a switch, we can swiftly reverse this rapidly growing human-caused threat. Please adopt and promote responsible lighting control practices, both at your home and the workplace. Together, we can make a difference for migrating birds and other creatures that grace our night skies.

Bryan Lenz, American Bird Conservancy

Light pollution disrupts bird migration and increases the chances that they collide with glass - not to mention causing a range of human health issues. Birds need us to adopt policies to darken the night sky to help them survive their already difficult annual migration journeys.

Susan Bonfield, Director, Environment for the Americas

World Migratory Bird Day is a call to action for international migratory bird conservation. As migratory birds journey across borders, inspiring and connecting people along the way, it is our aim to use the event to raise awareness of the threat of light pollution and the importance of dark skies to bird migration.

Doug Watkins, Chief Executive, East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership Secretariat

With our commitment to conserve migratory waterbirds and their habitats, the EAAFP Secretariat and Partners would like to invite everyone to dim unnecessary lights at night for the safe passage of migratory birds, not just for this year, but for the years to come. We hope this year will become a new beginning for futher efforts including encouraging more studies and discussion for relevant policies. This year we hope everyone will come together to bring back a safer night sky for migratory birds.

Andrew Farnesworth, Senior Research Associate, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

On this World Migratory Bird Day, we have an opportunity to reevaluate our current lighting practices, to reconsider how they affect birds and other native wildlife, and to change practices that run counter to good stewardship of the planet and its inhabitants. I stand together with an esteemed, knowledgeable, and passionate group in our commitment to reduce the impact of light pollution on migratory birds and our shared environment.

Conservation Theme

This year’s campaign highlights the impact of light pollution on migratory birds with the theme “Dim the Lights for Birds at Night.” We are sharing simple steps that everyone can take to reduce light pollution and help birds.

Art & featured species

Art has always been central to World Migratory Bird Day and continues to be a key element in 2022. This year’s artwork was created by Omar Custodio Azabache and features 11 migratory bird species of the Americas.

Artist

Omar Custodio Azabache from Peru was chosen to create the art for this year’s World Migratory Bird Day. Click here to learn more about Omar and his work.

Social Media Packet

Promoting your World Migratory Bird Day event can be a daunting task, so we create a Social Media Packet that provides easy copy-and-paste posts, downloadable graphics, and other content that you can use on your social media accounts.

2022 World Migratory Bird Day Artist

OMAR CUSTODIO AZABACHE

Central to World Migratory Bird Day is the artwork that reflects the annual conservation theme. Each year, artists from around the world submit their work to be carefully considered by a panel of reviewers, and one artist is selected.

Omar Custodio Azabache was chosen to create the art for this year’s campaign.

Omar holds a degree in Biology from Pedro Ruiz Gallo National University in Peru. He has experience in taxonomy and conservation biology with a strong emphasis on ornithology. Omar has been a research associate with the Center of Ornithology and Biodiversity (CORBIDI) since 2012. He also leads an urban bird ecology project called Aves Urbanas de Lima, which reconnects people with nature through birds, and is the co-founder of Playeras del Perú, which works to protect shorebirds and their habitats throughout the country.

Omar has worked as a scientific illustrator for nearly a decade and has been featured in magazines, books, field guides, and other publications. See more of Omar’s art on his Instagram.