World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) raises awareness about bird conservation, especially the threats (both human and nonhuman) birds face during seasonal migration. During the weeks leading up to WMBD, bird-focused organizations hold events to celebrate birds, participate in conservation initiatives, and raise awareness about birds in their communities. Each year, WMBD adopts a new theme. The theme for World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2026, “Every Bird Counts – Your Observation Matter” 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, provide 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.

This theme will particularly resonate as it coincides with and will leverage promotional materials and visibility from a significant shorebird count happening in 2026, showcasing real-world application of monitoring efforts. It will also highlight other programs that involve the public and benefit bird conservation.

To find out what is happening in Wisconsin during WMBD, explore the Wosconsin Society for Ornithology calandar. To see events nationwide and globally, or for more information about WMBD, visit the World Migratory Bird Day website. WMBD is observed on the second Saturday in May in North America. Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean observe WMBD on the second Saturday of October.