Every year, millions of migratory birds travel across countries, oceans, forests, and wetlands. These incredible journeys connect different parts of the world and remind us that nature does not follow human borders. To celebrate and protect these migrating birds, people around the globe participate in World Migratory Bird Day; an international awareness campaign dedicated to bird conservation. For this year, the campaign theme is: “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter!”

This message highlights an important idea: That ordinary people can help protect nature simply by observing and recording the birds around them. Watching birds in parks, gardens, forests, wetlands, or even from our windows can provide valuable information for scientists and conservation groups.

This type of public participation is called community science or citizen science. Around the world, millions of people already take part in bird monitoring projects. Their observations help researchers understand bird migration patterns, population changes, and environmental threats. Even one small observation can become part of a much greater global effort. If you are interested in participating in this observation, please have a look at this page.

Migratory birds face many challenges today, such as habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and urban development, which are making migration more challenging. Wetlands are dissolving, forests are shrinking, and artificial lights from cities can confuse birds during their long journeys. Because migratory birds depend on many ecosystems across different countries, international cooperation is essential for their survival!

Considering this, let’s think about the role that trees play in the migration of birds.

Birds resting in a tree

Trees play a vital role in protecting migratory birds during their long journeys. Many bird species depend on forests and trees as safe places to rest, hide from predators, find food, and build nests. During migration, birds can travel thousands of kilometers and require healthy natural habitats to recover their energy along the way. Accordingly, trees provide shelter from harsh weather and create important stopover sites where birds can safely rest before continuing their journey.

Knowing this, we can consider that when forests are destroyed, or urban areas replace green spaces, migratory birds lose many of these critical resting and nesting areas. Imagine we are traveling a very long distance, but we do not find an appropriate place to stop and rest… this is the same for our feathered friends.

Protecting and planting trees, therefore, helps support bird populations and strengthens the ecosystems that both wildlife and humans depend on.

Migrating birds

Community science plays an increasingly important role in conservation. Modern digital platforms now allow us to share bird sightings instantly using our smartphones and computers. Programs such as eBird, BirdTrack, and the International Waterbird Census collect millions of observations every year, which scientists use to identify endangered species, monitor migration routes, and protect important habitats.

One inspiring example is the International Waterbird Census, which celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026. This global project relies heavily on volunteers who count and monitor waterbirds in wetlands around the world. Their dedication has helped conservation experts better understand bird populations and develop stronger environmental policies.

Another exciting development is the Americas Flyways Atlas, a new interactive mapping tool created using millions of bird observations contributed by the public. This tool helps scientists identify the most important places for migratory birds to rest, feed, and breed during their journeys.

There is also this very interesting, interactive map, where we can see the migration patterns of birds:

Click on the image to go to the (external) page where the interactive map is hosted

When we reflect on the migration of birds, we can consider how the trees we plant may have a direct impact on the migrating birds. The tree that we are planting with our very own hands may one day be a resting point for migrating birds. Planting a tree is, in fact, a gift that keeps on giving!

If you have planted one or more trees, we would love to hear from you! Please fill out this form on our website to tell us about your tree-planting activity, and please remember to include photos. We would love to see your contribution to Mother Earth and all living beings!

And, if you have any interesting stories to tell us about your bird sightings, please share your accounts and photos with us!

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References:
https://bbecquet.net/articles/2022/05/bird-tracking-map/
https://www.unep-aewa.org/news/every-bird-counts-world-migratory-bird-day-2026-highlights-how-every-observation-matters
https://www.unep-aewa.org/
https://www.cms.int/
https://www.fao.org/forestry/biodiversity/en/

Images source:
https://www.pexels.com/