World Migratory Bird Day is a time to discover the wondrous birds that join us every spring, and celebrate the impressive journey they’ve endured after many months beyond our borders! The second Saturday of May each year is the peak of spring migration in southern Canada, marking a celebration as Canadians re-discover their feathered friends in their communities. At this time, nature organizations across the country launch educational and interactive events to help kids and adults alike experience and celebrate their diverse journeys to raise awareness and impact change to save bird lives.

This year's conservation theme focuses on the importance of insect conservation, and pesticide/insecticide use. It encourages everyone to learn more about how migratory birds make use of insects along their amazing global migration journeys each year. Both bird and bug conservation struggles are linked. 

Please visit the following website to learn more about these years' featured species from our friends at Environment for The Americas. Throughout the lead-up to World Migratory Bird Day, Nature Canada will be publishing weekly blogs on these important featured species, showcasing local Nature Network groups working to protect them and how you can also take action to protect, defend, and restore birds, bugs and biodiversity. Stay tuned for more ways you can help out Canada’s Cliff Swallow, Bobolink, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, American Kestrel and Wood Duck populations. 

We urge you to wonder and appreciate where they’ve come from, how far they’ve travelled, and the community conservation efforts worldwide dedicated to protecting their habitats so they can make this journey each year.

Please consider participating in our Discover Migratory Birds activities, and make use of Environment for the America’s downloadable resources to help you uncover, cultivate, and celebrate your inner birder while learning more about the important role that insects play in their journey.