Migratory Bird Day: how it is celebrated in Ukraine

Migratory Bird Day is an international environmental initiative that annually draws attention to the need to protect migratory birds and preserve their habitats. The day is celebrated twice a year – on the second Saturday of May and October, in accordance with the seasons of active bird migration in the northern and southern hemispheres. This was reported by the Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve.

Every year, millions of birds cover thousands of kilometres between nesting and wintering sites. Their route passes through entire continents, and during migration, birds need reliable environments – forests, swamps, meadows, and wetlands.

However, these places are rapidly disappearing or degrading as a result of urbanisation, pollution, climate change, and intensive agriculture. Safe areas for rest and food are critical for the survival of migratory species.

On this day, bird festivals and excursions, educational seminars, lectures, workshops, photo exhibitions, clean-ups, and social media campaigns to promote knowledge about birds are held in different countries.

Each of us can make a contribution to the protection of migratory birds – from planting trees to supporting biodiversity conservation initiatives.

As a reminder, the mysterious rhinoceros birds have come out of their winter home in Kyiv Zoo.