International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) was created in 1993 by visionaries at the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. It is celebrated in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and Central America through bird festivals and bird walks, education programs, and Bird Day.
IMBD officially takes place on the second Saturday in May each year but events can be held any time in May. Birds have their own migration schedule; some birds have already arrived at their destination and others are still on their journey.
Events and festivals are held in many communities. I’ll be attending a bird count with a group of birders on a local golf course Saturday. Other ways to participate:
- Improve the habitat in your yard by planting native plants
- Reduce your use of pesticides in the yard and garden
- Keep your cat indoors
- Provide a birdhouse and bird bath
- Take notice of the birds around you
- Interest children in birds
- Donate your time or money to a wildlife preservation group
For me, every day is Bird Day! Chirp.
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