World Migratory Bird Day
When: Next: expected 8 May and 9 October 2027 (the second Saturdays of May and October; in 2026, 9 May and 10 October)Celebrated on the second Saturday of May and of October; the 2027 theme and events are not published yet.
A campaign day held twice a year, because birds migrate at different times in the northern and southern hemispheres, to celebrate migratory birds and the places they need along their routes.
How to take part
- Look for an event near you on the official site, or hold your own walk.
- Watch for migrants: the migration map shows which ones have been reported recently.
Organised by the World Migratory Bird Day partnership. Full details and registration: worldmigratorybirdday.org.
Bring a checklist
The migration checklist covers the warblers, thrushes and flycatchers passing through eastern North America; or load your own region.
Open the migration checklistDates checked on 2026-10-13 against the organiser’s page. Always confirm with the organiser before you go.
More dates for birders
- Great Backyard Bird Count · 12–15 February 2027
- Global Big Day · Next: expected Saturday 8 May 2027 (it is held on a Saturday in early to mid May; in 2026 it was 9 May)
- Christmas Bird Count · 14 December 2026 – 5 January 2027 (the 127th count)
- Aussie Backyard Bird Count · 19–25 October 2026
- RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch · Next: expected 29–31 January 2027 (the last weekend of January; in 2026 it was 23–25 January)