An International Day Unlike Any Other - Officially Celebrated on Two Different Days Each Year 💚

World Migratory Bird Day

11th October 2025

Unlike many other international day observances, the World Migratory Bird Day is so uniquely placed, because of the fact that, it is officially celebrated on two different days each year.

(c) rufus

The second Saturday in May

The second Saturday in October

Birding has become not only a hugely popular outdoor activity for millions of people but also an activity that brings people face to face with bio diversity and the threats to its survival.

I have not met a birder who is not concerned about protection of bird habitats and about the impacts of changing climates on birds, whether resident or migratory,

says George W. Cox in his insightful book on bird migration titled, Bird Migration and Global Change, published in the year 2010 by Island Press, Washington DC, US.

(c) rufus

Long-distance migrations of land and freshwater birds involve flights across major climatic zones, and often between continents or hemispheres.

These movements are often more regular in timing than those of short distance migrants.

Strong-flying raptors and shorebirds perform some of the longest migrations. Radio tracking has shown, for example, that Bar tailed Godwits fly nonstop for distances of 10,000 kilometres or more between breeding areas in Alaska and wintering areas in New Zealand and Australia.

The Swainson’s Hawks that occasionally fly over my home in New Mexico in spring spend the winter on the Argentinean pampas. Many small songbirds, however, make intercontinental migratory flights of thousands of kilometres,

he observes.

(c) rufus

The book analyses observed changes in bird migration with reference to climate change, and also highlights the innate capacity of migratory birds to adapt to these changes.

Two chapters that I found quite interesting are –

Chapters 17 & 18, that deal with the evolutionary adaptability of Land Birds and Waterbirds.

Finally, the book concludes by offering practical conservation recommendations in an era of global change.

Says Cox –

Protecting migratory birds in an era of changing global climate will require greater understanding of the changes that are likely to occur in breeding and wintering areas, as well as in the networks of stopover areas used in migration.

he signs off.

(c) rufus

In this regard, it is important for us as academics, to raise awareness about the need to conserve migratory birds and their habitats.

Creating bird-friendly habitats, and planting native species, is very important since, native trees and plants provide essential food - like insects, seeds, and nectar - for migratory birds.

Also, providing clean water for migratory birds, by setting up birdbaths or small water basins, for our flyway friends helps a lot.  

(c) rufus

Lastly, it is vital to protect their habitats, such as wetlands and migration flyways.

Here’s wishing us all a Happy World Migratory Bird Day.

Image for Shared Spaces, Courtesy: worldmigratorybirdday.org