World Migratory Bird Day 2020
On Saturday, 9 May 2020, people around the world will celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) – a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness of migratory birds and the need for international cooperation to conserve them.
This year the theme of World Migratory Bird Day is “Birds Connect Our World” and was chosen to highlight the importance of conserving and restoring the ecological connectivity and integrity of ecosystems that support the natural cycles that are essential for the survival and well-being of migratory birds. The theme also underlines the fact that migratory birds are part of our shared natural heritage and they depend on a network of sites along their migration routes for breeding, feeding, resting and overwintering.
“World Migratory Bird Day reminds us that now, more than ever, we need to step up our actions to protect migratory birds and their habitats. Many bird species are in decline around the world, and the continued loss and destruction of nature has also been linked to the kinds of infectious diseases we are now combatting,” said Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). “We can use this time to reflect and re-connect with nature and commit to helping migratory birds wherever they are found,” said Fraenkel.
Last year, over 870 events were registered which took place in city parks, wetlands and other places around the world often frequented by migratory birds. In comparison to past years, the global celebration of our avian friends and their fascinating annual migrations will look very different this year because of the unprecedented global health crisis the world is facing from COVID-19.
This year you can join in by:
Bird watching from your window, garden, balcony or, if you are able to spend time outside in public parks, the forest nearby or any other open spaces.
Take part in an online event – check out Birdwatch Zambia’s Facebook page for more information on how to get involved locally.
Provide good habitat for your local birds by planting bird-friendly trees or shrubs, install nest boxes and protect them from possible predators such as house pets.
Reschedule planned physical events – remember that WMBD now takes place on two ‘peak-days’ each year and your planned public activities could simply be moved to the second Saturday peak day celebration in October 2020.
For more information, go to the World Migratory Bird Day 2020 website