WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY
World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) occurs every year on the second Saturday of May in the northern hemisphere and the second Saturday in October in the southern hemisphere. The campaign is a joint effort of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), t he African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird AGreement (AEWA), Environment for the Americas and the EAAFP. The addition of the EAAFP to this Partnership will strengthen engagement and awareness for migratory birds in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
Each year brings a special focus for WMBD.
Evanston has been a Bird City Illinois since 2023. All Bird City Illinois cities are required to write a proclamation declaring WMBD by the City Council, as well as presenting programs that celebrate migratory birds
World Migratory Bird Day is Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter
Jan 27, 2026
World Migratory Bird Day Theme 2026
In 2026, World Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated on May 9 in the spring and October 10 in the fall. The conservation theme this year is Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter. It highlights the role of public participation in collecting data on migratory bird populations and their habitats and factors that impact their populations and contribute to our knowledge about how to protect them.
Community science, ranging from backyard bird counts to large-scale coordinated surveys/schemes, provide information on species distribution, abundance trends, migration timing, and breeding success. This data is important to identify conservation priorities, and inform effective conservation action plans and strategies. By engaging individuals and communities in monitoring efforts, we not only gather scientific data but also build a deeper connection to nature, raise awareness about the challenges migratory birds face, and inspire direct conservation action.
Mayor Daniel Biss will read the Proclamation at a City Council meeting.
ENSBC's programs recognizing the day:
Saturday, May 9, Spring Bird Count walk. Meet at 7:30 a.m. in the Ladd Arboretum parking lot, 2024 McCormick Blvd. Leader: Libby Hill. Please register with libbyhill@comcast.net.