By Jennifer Nantais
Every year, Nature Canada partner organisations across the country celebrate World Migratory Bird Day on the second Saturday in May. As part of the Bird Friendly City Certification process, Windsor has committed to acknowledge and celebrate this day annually.
2023 marked Windsor’s first WMDB event organized by the Pelee Island Bird Observatory, which featured 5 days of fun-filled, educational activities including in-person and virtual presentations leading up to the big event – a family-friendly birding challenge to spot the most birds in the city during a 24-hr period. Prize winning categories included the biggest species list, most nocturnal birds and most aquatic species to align with this year’s theme of Water.
All events were free and designed to provide opportunities for new and experienced birders. Opening and closing ceremonies offered refreshments and the chance to connect with other bird lovers.
This first event was small and had to compete with the Global Big Day. Birders had an abundance of wonderful birding locations to choose from, but many chose to bird in the City and help showcase the diversity of birds in Windsor, and why we are a Bird Friendly City!
The WMBD event will evolve as residents decide how they want to celebrate, so speak up! Keep an eye out for next years event, and the opportunity to participate or help volunteer. We want to showcase the incredible bird species that can be found in our city and look forward to this event getting bigger and better every year!
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