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Fall World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated the second Saturday of October – this year Oct. 11 – to highlight the need to conserve migratory birds and protect their habitats.
www.migratorybirdday.org.
Originally (in 1993) called International Migratory Bird Day and celebrated the second Saturday of May in the northern hemisphere, it became World Migratory Bird Day in 2018 under the coordination of the non-profit Environment for the Americas (EFTA), which added the fall date to celebrate bird migration in the southern hemisphere.
EFTA coordinates events, programs and activities in the flyways of the Americas to introduce the public to migratory birds and ways to conserve them. Spokane Audubon’s event is our Reardan Wildlife Area bird walk on Oct. 11, but you can watch and listen for migrating birds wherever you are and submit your bird species data through e-Bird.
This year World Migratory Bird Day highlights seven simple actions you can take to create bird-friendly spaces where you live:

  1. Plant native. The plants native to your community provide the food and shelter birds need. Remove invasive plants that can take over.
  2. Dim the lights at night. The glow from our communities and homes may disrupt their cycle of rest, alter their migration, and impact breeding.
  3. Make windows visible. Birds don’t recognize plane glass and may collide with windows.
  4. Protect insects. Almost all birds depend on insects at some time during their life cycle. Avoid using pesticides and other chemicals that contribute to the declining numbers of butterflies, dragonflies, and other insects.
  5. Restrain your pets. Free roaming cats and dogs can disturb and even kill birds. Provide a catio, leash your pets, and provide them with entertainment indoors.
  6. Be the solution to plastic pollution. Say “no” to plastics by reusing shopping bags, avoiding single-use plastic bottles and utensils, and purchasing non-plastic toys and decorations.
  7. Purchase sustainable foods. Shade-grown coffee and chocolate protect tropical agroforests that include native tree diversity, tree canopy, and reduced pollution that supports migratory birds where they winter.
    For more information, see www.migratorybirdday.org.

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