National Bird Day is a special day set aside to appreciate and celebrate our feathered friends. Birds come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and songs. They play an important role in our ecosystems by controlling pests, pollinating plants, and dispersing seeds. Birds have inspired human art, music, stories, and culture for thousands of years. On National Bird Day, we recognize the beauty and value of birds by learning more about them, providing habitat, and giving them the protection they need.
When is National Bird Day?
National Bird Day is celebrated annually on January 5th. This date was chosen because it coincides with the mid-point between the winter solstice and spring equinox, meaning there are exactly the same number of daylight hours and nighttime hours on this day. Symbolically, it marks the turn toward longer days and the return of migrating birds. The first National Bird Day was inaugurated in 2002 by bornagainbirders.com, an online community for new and returning birdwatchers. Since then, it has grown into an annual educational and celebratory event for bird lovers across North America.
Why Do We Celebrate National Bird Day?
National Bird Day aims to increase public awareness about birds and the challenges they face. Birds are invaluable to ecosystems, controlling pests, pollinating plants, dispersing seeds, and serving as indicators of environmental health. However, many bird populations are in decline due to habitat loss, climate change, pollution, pesticides, collisions with human structures, and other threats. National Bird Day provides an opportunity to learn about how we can help protect birds and provide the habitat, food sources, clean air and water, and sanctuary spaces they need to thrive. The day also celebrates the beauty, songs, flight, behaviors and other wonders of our avian neighbors.
History of National Bird Day
The idea for National Bird Day was conceived in 2002 by bornagainbirders.com, an online community created by wildlife artist and bird rehabilitator Bob Scott Placier. After rehabilitating and releasing hundreds of injured wild birds, Placier was looking for a way to further support bird conservation. He recruited ornithologist Rodney Biddle to help launch National Bird Day as an annual event to promote public appreciation and protection of birds.
Year | National Bird Day Milestones |
---|---|
2002 | First National Bird Day launched by bornagainbirders.com on January 5 |
2003 | Second National Bird Day celebrated, beginning the annual tradition |
2005 | National Bird Day partners with the Avian Welfare Coalition for joint promotion |
2007 | Bornagainbirders.com evolves into the Avian Welfare Coalition nonprofit |
2008 | National Bird Day becomes a registered trademark |
2013 | The first National Bird Day poster is produced, featuring the painted bunting |
2016 | National Bird Day expands with events across North America |
2022 | Over 100 partner organizations help promote and celebrate National Bird Day |
In the early years, National Bird Day was primarily championed by individual bird enthusiasts on blogs and websites. Over time, ornithological organizations, wildlife rehabilitators, zoos, nature centers and other conservation groups recognized the value of this awareness event and began participating.
National Bird Day Partners
Today over 100 partner organizations help promote National Bird Day and carry out educational events and bird-centered activities. These include major ornithological societies such as the National Audubon Society, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, American Bird Conservancy, and National Wildlife Federation. Zoos, nature centers, bird observatories, wildlife rehab centers, garden clubs, and birding retailers also participate by hosting bird walks, seminars, bird counts, and other community activities. With growing participation across North America, National Bird Day has become a major annual event for appreciating and protecting our feathered friends.
Celebrating National Bird Day
National Bird Day offers many fun ways for people to engage with birds, learn about threats they face, and take action to protect species in decline. Here are some popular ways to celebrate:
Go Birdwatching
One of the best ways to observe National Bird Day is simply to go birdwatching. Grab a pair of binoculars and field guide and head to your local park, wildlife refuge, beach, or backyard to see what birds you can spot. Take a child along to foster their interest in nature. Share photos of the birds you find on social media and help track local bird populations.
Attend a Festival or Event
Across North America, zoos, nature centers, and parks organize special events on or around January 5th for National Bird Day. Look for birdwatching tours, owl prowls, bird counting events and competitions, educational seminars, and other activities. These organized events are a great chance to meet fellow bird enthusiasts in your community.
Put Up Bird Feeders and Nest Boxes
National Bird Day is the perfect time to start feeding and sheltering birds in your own backyard. Set up bird feeders, create brush piles for shelter, and put up nest boxes suited for your area’s bird species. Watch to see the variety of birds your yard attracts. Be sure to keep feeders full and nest boxes clean as birds start breeding in spring.
Do Citizen Science Projects
Everyone can contribute to scientific data collection and research about birds. Participate in citizen science projects like the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, Great Backyard Bird Count, NestWatch, and eBird. Your checklists and observations help track bird populations and inform conservation.
Citizen Science Project | Description |
---|---|
Christmas Bird Count | Help census birds in early winter during this long-running community science project organized by the National Audubon Society. |
Great Backyard Bird Count | Count and report birds seen during this four-day event run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon. |
NestWatch | Track nests and breeding success for all kinds of birds in your area over the breeding season. |
eBird | Report your bird sightings to eBird to contribute to the world’s largest biodiversity-related citizen science project. |
Make Your Home Bird-Friendly
As well as putting up feeders and nest boxes, there are other ways to make your yard or balcony more attractive to birds. Plant native flowers, trees and shrubs that provide seeds, berries, nectar, cover and nesting spots. Provide a fresh water source like a birdbath or fountain. Limit or avoid pesticide and herbicide use. Keep outdoor cats indoors to protect birds. Reduce collisions by placing decals on windows.
Volunteer or Donate
National Bird Day is coordinated by the Avian Welfare Coalition, a non-profit that supports bird rehabilitation and conservation. You can volunteer at a wildlife rehab center to help care for injured birds. Or make a donation to the Avian Welfare Coalition or a bird conservation group like Audubon to support their advocacy and habitat restoration programs.
Educate Others
Share your passion for birds with others! Give a presentation at your child’s school or to your garden club about how to attract local birds. Encourage your company or organization to put up bird feeders on the grounds or participate in collision reduction efforts. Talk to friends and family about threats birds face and ways to help protect them. Inspire the next generation’s bird enthusiasts.
Advocate for Birds
On National Bird Day, raise your voice for birds! Call or write your elected officials to support legislation that protects endangered species and migratory birds, funds wildlife conservation programs, and regulates industries that threaten bird habitats and health. Sign petitions for issues like restricting rodenticides, plastic pollution, and greenhouse gases that harm bird populations.
Bird Day Themes and Species Spotlights
Each year, National Bird Day highlights a specific theme related to bird conservation advocacy. It also spotlights certain bird species to showcase the diversity of shapes, colors, behaviors and habitats. Past themes and featured species include:
Year | Theme | Featured Species |
---|---|---|
2022 | Birds in Decline | Rufous Hummingbird |
2021 | Year of the Hummingbird | Ruby-throated Hummingbird |
2020 | Roosting Birds | Purple Martin |
2019 | Frozen Feathers: Birds in Winter | Snowy Owl |
2018 | Year of the Bird | Chimney Swift |
2017 | Seabirds | Atlantic Puffin |
2016 | Origin of Birds | Common Loon |
These annual themes aim to highlight urgent issues facing certain types of birds each year. The featured species showcase fun facts about different bird traits, habitats, migration, breeding and conservation.
2022: Birds in Decline
The 2022 theme focused on “Birds in Decline” to spotlight at-risk species. Nearly 3 billion birds have been lost in North America since 1970. Habitat loss, pesticides, collisions, climate change and invasive predators are reducing many songbird populations. The rufous hummingbird, famous for its migratory endurance, has declined significantly. Hummingbirds require specialized nectar flowers and insects along their migration route. Planting more native flowers in yards and parks can help provide the food they need.
Birdwatching Tips for Beginners
For those inspired to try birdwatching for the first time on National Bird Day, here are some helpful tips to get started:
Get a Field Guide
A good field guide is vital for identifying all the birds you’ll see. Look for a guide that illustrates male, female, juvenile, breeding and non-breeding plumage. Focus on the guide for your particular region. Cross-reference details like bill shape, wingbars, eye rings and other markings to positively ID each species.
Invest in Binoculars
Binoculars let you closely observe details like feathers and facial markings. Look for binoculars with magnification like 8x or 10x to clearly see birds from a distance. Make sure they are properly calibrated for your eyes. Roof prism binoculars are highly recommended for beginners.
Start Close to Home
Don’t overlook birding opportunities in your own backyard! Set up feeders and birdbaths to attract various local species. Get to know the birds visiting your yard before venturing further afield. Try putting up nest boxes to observe breeding and nesting behaviors.
Pick the Right Spot
Some locations offer better birdwatching than others. Parks, nature reserves, lakesides, wetlands, forests and beaches are go-to places to spot a variety of species. Find a location with diverse habitats to attract different birds.
Time It Right
Early mornings when the air is calm tend to be best for birdwatching. Birds vocalize and feed actively first thing in the morning. Their activity declines as the day heats up. Post-migration and nesting seasons are also optimal times to spot species and behaviors.
Look and Listen
Both your eyes and ears are vital for birdwatching. Scan trees, skies and shrubs for movement and color. At the same time, listen closely to recognize songs, chips and calls. Associating sounds with species takes practice but is invaluable for identification.
Move Slowly and Pause
Birds spook easily, so move quietly and patiently to observe them. Stop frequently, watch, and listen for 10 to 15 minutes at different spots. Use trees or buildings as blinds to conceal yourself. Remain still if you spot birds to allow closer viewing.
Record What You See
Keep a notebook or use an app to record details like date, time, location, species, numbers and behaviors of the birds you find. Over time, these field notes will provide valuable data about migrations, range expansions, population changes and more.
Conclusion
National Bird Day offers the chance for veteran birders and novices alike to develop appreciation for birds. Take time on January 5th each year to celebrate our feathered neighbors who brighten our lives with their beauty, songs, behaviors and vital ecosystem services. Participate in bird counts and citizen science programs, put up feeders, advocate for bird protections, and simply get outside to observe these marvelous creatures. The future of endangered species and declining backyard birds depends on public awareness and action. By celebrating National Bird Day, we can ensure our skies keep singing for generations to come.