World Migratory Bird Day 2024: Celebrating the Importance of Insects

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is an annual global campaign that aims to raise awareness about the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. This year, WMBD will be celebrated on two dates: Saturday, 11 May 2024, and Saturday, 12 October 2024, to align with the cyclic patterns of bird migration in different hemispheres.

The theme for World Migratory Bird Day 2024 is “Insects”.

This year’s campaign will focus on highlighting the vital role that insects play in the lives of migratory birds. It will also emphasize the concerns surrounding the declining populations of insects and the potential impact it could have on these feathered travelers.

World Migratory Bird Day was first established in 1993 by visionaries from the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center. The initial celebrations were organized by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation along with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2007, the responsibility for the day was transferred to the non-profit organization ‘Environment for the Americas’.

WMBD is celebrated annually on the second Saturday in May and October to accommodate the varying migration patterns in different regions. Each year, a new theme is chosen to emphasize the necessity of protecting migratory birds and their habitats.

The significance of World Migratory Bird Day lies in its ability to raise awareness about the challenges faced by migratory birds during their perilous journeys. These birds often cross numerous borders, encountering diverse environmental policies, legislation, and conservation measures. WMBD promotes knowledge-sharing and coordinates conservation efforts across borders.

People around the world come together to organize various events and activities to mark World Migratory Bird Day. These events can include bird festivals, educational programs, exhibitions, and bird-watching excursions. While these celebrations often take place on the designated dates, they can be held at any time of the year, depending on the peak migration periods in different regions.

The WMBD campaign also emphasizes the importance of taking proactive measures to conserve migratory birds, such as reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, promoting organic farming, and maintaining and connecting natural habitats that provide food and shelter for birds and other species.

By celebrating World Migratory Bird Day 2024 and embracing the theme of “Insects,” we can raise awareness about the intricate relationships between migratory birds, insects, and their shared environment, and inspire collective action towards their conservation.