Time to unruffle your feathers because May 13th is World Migratory Bird Day! Around 20% of all bird species migrate annually to warmer areas in search of the best habitats for feeding, breeding, and raising their young. Birds of all sizes migrate hundreds of miles across multiple continents and provide many benefits to the ecosystems they migrate to.

World Migratory Bird Day Activities 

  1. Go on a nature walk – Get in touch with your local ecosystem to see what birds frequent your area. You can take pictures or document them in a journal to see which birds are native and which are visitors from other continents. One common part time avian resident of Florida is the ruby throated hummingbird, which arrives in early March, stays through September, and leaves in October.  
  2. Get involved with the Audobon Society – The Audubon Society is dedicated to the conservation, health, and welfare of all different kinds of birds. There are 40 local chapters, nature centers and sanctuaries statewide where you can donate your time to help our feathered friends.  
  3. Plant bird-friendly plants – To encourage birds to visit your landscape, provide them with quality food, shelter from predators, and fresh water. Birds typically eat fruits and seeds or insects, so look for native plants that provide quality food and attract ample insects.  
  4. Turn off the lights – Cities with large buildings and bright lights can disorient migratory birds, causing them to collide with buildings. You can help prevent this by turning off all non-essential lights from 11 p.m. to sunrise. 

Information from UF/IFAS Blogs, United Nations Climate Change, UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions, and American Bird Conservancy.