World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD)

McRae Park – meet in parking lot @ 6:00 AM Sunrise Birding or 8:30 AM Morning Birding

You are encouraged to download the free Merlin Bird ID app to your smartphone and eBird for counting the birds that are seen.

What do you need? Dress for the weather, and good walking shoes. Do you have binoculars? Bring them also, a few will be available to borrow, even for children.

Habitats: Urban grass and shade trees. Cattail marsh. Short grass meadow. White cedar grove.

Migrants: Yellow Rumped & Chestnut Sided Warbler. Least Flycatcher. Northern Baltimore Oriole. Red Winged Black Bird. Savannah & Song Sparrows.

* The theme for World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2026, “Every Bird Counts – Your Observation Matter” highlights the role of public participation in collecting data on migratory bird populations and their habitats and factors that impact their populations and contribute to our knowledge about how to protect them. Community science, ranging from backyard bird counts to large-scale coordinated surveys/schemes, provide information on species distribution, abundance trends, migration timing, and breeding success. This data is important to identify conservation priorities, and inform effective conservation action plans and strategies. By engaging individuals and communities in monitoring efforts, we not only gather scientific data but also build a deeper connection to nature, raise awareness about the challenges migratory birds face, and inspire direct conservation action.