World Migratory Bird Day 2026 is being celebrated today

Today is the second peak day celebration of World Migratory Bird Day for 2026 (WMBD2026) with the theme “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter!”.  The first peak day for WMBD is celebrated in May. The observance of two celebratory days for WMBD reflects the seasonal nature of bird migration and differing migration patterns between the northern and southern hemispheres.

WMBD is organised through a partnership between the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA), the non-profit organization, Environment for the Americas (EFTA) and the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP).

“This year's campaign highlights the vital role of community science (also referred to as citizen science) in the conservation of migratory birds. Around the world, millions of people contribute valuable observations that help track migration patterns, monitor population trends, identify threats and inform conservation action and policy. The campaign also coincides with the 60th anniversary of the International Waterbird Census (IWC), highlighting six decades of volunteer-based waterbird monitoring and its contribution to bird conservation worldwide. Together with campaign partners, the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) and Environment for the Americas (EFTA), the CMS and AEWA Secretariats encourage Parties, partners and stakeholders to use World Migratory Bird Day as an opportunity to raise awareness of migratory birds and the importance of their conservation at the national, regional and international levels.”

This year the campaign also coincides with the 60th Anniversary of the International Waterbird Census (IWC) of Wetlands International, highlighting six decades of volunteer-based waterbird monitoring and its contribution to bird conservation worldwide.

To mark WMBD026, BirdLife International has produced Global Flyways, a new digital series filmed across five continents “that brings together scientists, conservationists, communities, organisations and local voices to reveal the global effort to protect migratory birds.”

John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 10 October 2026