10/12/2025
Today is World Migratory Bird Day and Cornell Lab's October BIG Day! World Migratory Bird day is officially celebrated on the second Saturday in May as migratory birds journey to nesting sites and on the second Saturday in October as they return to wintering areas.
The theme for 2025 is "Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities" and focuses on the need to make cities and neighborhoods safer for migratory birds and other wildlife. As urban areas shift and expand, birds face growing challenges from shrinking nesting sites and food sources to threats like reflective windows, light pollution, and non-native predators.
The goal of World Migratory Bird Day, between the two days celebrated, is to inspire community-led solutions that allow birds and people to thrive together. Actions individuals can take include:
Creating and protecting green spaces
Reducing light pollution
Supporting urban planning that considers wildlife
Educating and engaging local communities
Another way to participate in World Migratory Bird Day is to engage with Cornell Lab's October BIG Day, today, October 11, 2025. Wherever you are, even from home, take a few minutes to enjoy birds and share what you find on eBird. In the remaining hours of light of the day, be a part of the global team and help set a new record for October birding. Learn more here: https://ebird.org/news/october-big-day-2025
Remember, caring for wildlife is not limited to one or two days a year, but every day. Additional resources about World Migratory Bird Day and how to incorporate actions into your daily lifestyle we recommend you visit https://www.migratorybirdday.org/
The photo used in our graphic is from Symposium 2024's field trip to The Crane Trust (https://loom.ly/CfpsndI), a habitat conservation nonprofit organization located on the beautiful Platte River in South Central Nebraska. Symposium attendee Jackie Sandberg, snapped this stunning photo as the sun rose that morning allowing her, and 39 other attendees, the opportunity to watch Cranes take flight.
