By: Henrietta Afful
World Migratory Bird Day, WMBD, is marked annually on 9th October, to raise awareness on Migratory Birds and the need for international cooperation to conserve them.
The day was initiated in 2006 and since then, around 118 countries have participated and hosted the event. However, the US and Canada observe the day in May every year.
The main focus of the Day is to eradicate the threat faced by migratory birds.
Migratory birds fly over thousands of kilometres to find the best ecological conditions and habitats for feeding, breeding and raising their young. When conditions at breeding sites become unfavourable, they fly to other places where conditions are better.
This year, the celebration was on the theme “Sing, Fly, Soar – Like a Bird!” and focused on bird songs and flight. It is a way to inspire and connect people of all ages around the world to protect and celebrate migratory birds.
Hundreds of events were held globally to mark the day.
