05/09/2026
World Migratory Bird Day is officially celebrated every year on the second Saturday in May - this year it's May 9th - as migratory birds journey to nesting sites, and on the second Saturday in October ( October 10th in 2026 ) as they return to wintering areas.
The theme for World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2026, “Every Bird Counts – Your Observation Matters”, 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, provides 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.
The theme for World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2026, “Every Bird Counts – Your Observation Matters,” 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, provides 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.