It’s “World Migratory Bird Day” in Wisconsin

by Sofia Zapata, age 16

May 10 is World Migratory Bird Day in Wisconsin. This is an opportunity to watch our state’s native bird species fly the local skies.

This “opening day” for bird lovers kicks off a series of bird festivals during the next few weeks. World Migratory Bird Day is about the time when bird traffic returning from the South reaches its peak.

The theme for World Migratory Bird Day in 2025 is “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and communities.” The theme highlights the practice of creating and adapting urban and rural spaces to support migratory bird populations.

A peak migration period occurs when 50% of total nightly bird migration traffic passes through an area. This spring, peak periods begin on May 6-9 in southern Wisconsin and May 9-12 in northern Wisconsin. Knowing these dates can help people visit specific areas for a better chance to see large numbers of birds.

It’s a fun experience and a great opportunity to watch Fish Crows, White Wagtail, Bar-tailed Godwit, Fieldfare, and more kinds of birds. “Wisconsin’s Favorite Bird Haunts” developed by Wisconsin's Society for Ornithology, lists more than 800 favorite locations for birding such as Manitowoc World Migratory Bird day, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Lincoln Park Zoo, 1215 N 8th St., Manitowoc, and McFarland Bird Festival, 9 a.m. to noon, Lewis Park Shelter, 5012 Highland Drive, McFarland.

There are many other locations to check in the “2025 World Migratory Bird Day and Other Birdy Events.” Make sure to keep up with the experience.

[Sources: Save Our Songbirds; BirdCast; eBird]