Cause for Celebration
This year, several hundred thousand
people will observe International
Migratory Bird Day (IMBD). They will
gather in town squares, community
centers, schools, parks, and refuges
across the Western Hemisphere to learn
more about wild birds, take action to
conserve birds and their habitats, and
simply have fun.
Like any day of recognition, IMBD
exists to focus attention on a valuable
resource—the nearly 350 species of
migratory birds that travel between
nesting habitats in North America and
non-breeding grounds in South and
Central America, Mexico, and the
Caribbean.
Migratory birds are some of the most
beautiful, observable, and remarkable
wildlife that share our world. Many know
migratory birds as symbolic harbingers
of spring and melodic songsters of the
woods. Migratory birds are also an
important economic resource, controlling
insect pests and generating billions in
recreational dollars.
Unfortunately, research has shown that
many migratory bird species are in
decline, facing a growing number of
threats on their migration routes and in
both their summer and winter habitats.
Thus, IMBD, in addition to being a day to
foster appreciation, is a call to action.
A Partnership for Birds
IMBD is the hallmark outreach event for
Partners in Flight (PIF)—a unique,
diverse consortium of individuals and
groups who share a vision of healthy bird
populations. Partners in this consortium
include government agencies,
conservation organizations, private
businesses, academic institutions,
chambers of commerce and everyday
citizens.
The 1993 creation of IMBD can be
credited to a PIF member, the
Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, and
the principal responsibility for its
national coordination currently rests with
two other partners, the National Fish &
Wildlife Foundation and the U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service’s Office of Migratory
Bird Management.
In the decade it has existed, PIF has
successfully developed research
programs and management strategies to
further bird conservation, in addition to
promoting outreach and education via
IMBD and other activities.
IMBD Today
The success of IMBD, and other PIF
programs, stems from their positive,
voluntary, grass-roots nature. A special
day for migratory birds provides
organizations, large and small, and
individuals, young and old, with an
impetus to take part in an enjoyable
activity to support migratory birds.
Activities might be a bird walk, a lecture,
a class, or a festival.
For those already involved in migratory
bird conservation, IMBD adds
momentum to the cause, raising local
activities to the level of an international
movement.
What Exactly Is
International Migratory
Bird Day?
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
International
Migratory Bird Day
(IMBD)
Set on the second Saturday in
May, IMBD is an invitation to
celebrate and support migratory
bird conservation.
Moreover, IMBD can provide celebrants
with a focus in the form of an annual
general theme. Themes have included the
importance of wetland habitats, the
effects homeowners have on bird
conservation, as well as the peregrine
falcon and its celebrated recovery from
an endangered status.
Finally, although IMBD is officially a
single-day observance, it is not limiting.
Event planners are encouraged to
schedule activities on the date or dates
best suited to arrival of migrants in
their area.
IMBD Resources
IMBD has grown from a good idea to
a significant, annual occurrence.
Successes include:
Growth in the number of annual
IMBD events. As the word has spread,
the number of IMBD celebrations has
increased five-fold.
An expanding web presence. At
http://birds.fws.gov/imbd.html, one can
find general IMBD information, IMBD
products, links to an Events Registry
and other relevant sites.
Annual development of promotional and
educational materials to help event
organizers. These include posters,
t-shirts, educator packets, and resource
directories.
An Events Registry. An on-line database
that allows users to register their events
or find out about other events.
For more information, contact:
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Office of Migratory Bird Management
IMBD Events and Information Coordinator
703/358 2318
IMBD@fws.gov
March 2000
From simply watching a bird, to hosting a
full-scale festival, there are many ways to
celebrate International Migratory Bird Day!
