Migratory birds are renowned the world over for heralding the changing seasons. World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD), observed on the second Saturday of May each year, encourages us to celebrate these wonderful species and to renew our commitment to conserve them. This is a day to spread a message, take action or even just spare a thought for migratory birds and the challenges they face in our changing world. These challenges are many; this year’s theme is land use change.

This year, WMBD in India was marked by a number of events across the country. At Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir, students from various educational institutions came together to participate in an awareness programme built around the theme of land use change and bird migration (Newspaper article). There was also a two-day workshop organized at the Jammu University based on the same theme. In Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, a photo exhibition featuring migratory birds and a field trip to a nearby bird sanctuary were organized to mark the day (Newspaper article). J.C. Uttangi, a seasoned campaigner for migratory birds in north Karnataka, was felicitated on the day in Dharwad, Karnataka (Newspaper article). A scientist himself, Uttangi expressed concern over the lack of awareness and the need for more scientific research into bird migration in the Indian context. News also emerged from Gujurat of efforts by the State to improve the conservation status of a number important migratory bird destinations across the state (Newspaper article).

If you are aware of any other events that were organized across the country, please let us know by leaving a comment on this blog. We would also like to hear from you about what you think would be a good way to celebrate this day in coming years.

For most birdwatchers in India, WMBD is a time to say goodbye to our winter visitors, while us less fortunate ones prepare to face the brunt of the Indian summer. This is also a good time for MigrantWatchers to call an end to the winter migration season for 2010-11, and to upload their species last sighting data. Please take a moment to login to the MigrantWatch website and update your records.