Today is the beginning of World Migratory Bird Day held annually for two days over the second weekend in May. It highlights the need to protect migratory birds and their habitats. For most of us still in lockdown bird-watching and listening has become a new hobby but it is unlikely there will be any organised excursions to go bird-watching this year.

Every year the total number of official registered events as steadily been increasing since its inception in 2006 and every year more nations take part. 

I know when I see the first swallow of the year then the weather is getting warmer and as I see them gathering together for their long flight south I know that winter is on the way and I am sad to see them go. It is an amazing journey they make. Some British swallows spend their winter in the Nile Valley others in South Africa, flying over western France, over the Pyrenees, down through Spain, Morocco and across the Sahara to South Africa. A 6000 mile flight done twice a year by a tiny bird and that is just one species.

The United Nations is one of the many organizations that support this global awareness campaign.

Further Information

See https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org for more information.