Not everyone is aware of the diversity of birds around the world, the amazing migrations some take, and the phenomenal range of behaviors, plumages, and songs they exhibit. International Migratory Bird Day 2014 shares the many ways in which birds matter to the earth, to ecosystems, and of course, to us. 

Some bird species provide practical solutions to problems, such as the need for insect and rodent control. Others disperse seeds, helping to revegetate disturbed areas. Others are pollinators, ensuring that we are graced with flowering plants, trees, and shrubs. Beyond the utilitarian, birds are inspirations for the arts. 

Amadeus Mozart had a pet starling that motivated the opening theme of the Third Movement of his Piano Concerto No. 17 in G. Beethoven used the songs of thrushes and blackbirds, and many musical pieces contain the call of the cuckoo. Paintings, poetry, and of course the IMBD 2014 hammered steel drum art all express the intangible joy birds provide us every day. Join us in raising awareness of birds and why they matter through International Migratory Bird Day.  

 The official date of IMBD in the U.S. and Canada is the second Saturday in May. In the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, IMBD is celebrated the second Saturday of October (Oct. 11, 2014). The celebration welcomes birds that have returned from their breeding grounds in the North. Since migratory birds do not migrate on one specific date, IMBD activities can take place whenever birds return to their non-breeding grounds. Bird Day is everyday! For more information, please visit our website.