Community Invited to Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day on May 10

Kzoo Parks and the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo will host a free event on Saturday, May 10 in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day  The event will take place at Upjohn Park (1000 Walter Street) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will include family-friendly activities, including guided bird walks, local nature art for sale, a create your own bird feeder activity, and informational and activity booths from a variety of local organizations. 

Informative bird walks led by the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo will start a 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. These walks will offer an opportunity to learn about local bird species and the incredible migratory experiences that shape their journeys. Attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars if they have them. Extra binoculars will also be available to use. 

Nature-themed artwork will be available for sale from local artists like To Draw Attention, Hann of the Wood, Madison Memering, and Jenny Geuder. There will also be crafts and hands-on activities, including an opportunity for attendees to make their own bird feeder to take home with them to help attract local birds to their own backyard. 

The event will take place during the peak time for spring bird migration in the area. Hundreds of millions of birds will migrate over Michigan this spring. Many will be calling Michigan home for the summer while others stop by on their journey further north. Birds that may be at Upjohn Park during this time include raptors, warblers, shorebirds, waterfowl, and marsh birds. 

“We’re so excited to join other communities around the globe in this worldwide celebration of birds,” said Bela Ballez, Event Organizer. “From bird walks to hands on activities, there will be plenty of ways to celebrate. If you’re interested in learning more about birds and how we can make our backyards and cities more bird friendly, then this is the perfect event for you!” 

The event will also feature a variety of local organizations with informational and activity booths including the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo, City of Kalamazoo, Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, Kalamazoo Area Wild Ones, Kalamazoo Nature Center, Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, Wild Birds Unlimited, Children's Nature Playscape, Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, and the Kalamazoo Conservation District. 

This event is free, and all community members are welcome. 

About World Migratory Bird Day 

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is a global campaign that serves as a beacon for conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding migratory birds and their journeys across borders. Celebrated twice a year—in May and October—WMBD reflects the cyclical nature of bird migration and the varying peak periods in the northern and southern hemispheres. This worldwide initiative triggers countless educational events, uniting people in a common goal to protect migratory birds and their habitats. 

Each year, WMBD selects a central theme to inspire action and concentrate global efforts towards preserving the habitats and wellbeing of migratory birds. The theme for this year's World Migratory Bird Day is Shared Spaces: Creating Bird Friendly Cities and Communities.