Caribbean birders, it’s time to get “buggy” with it for World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2024!

Celebrated this fall on October 12th (or anytime during the ongoing fall migration from August through October) WMBD is a special time of year when birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts across the Caribbean eagerly welcome migratory birds to their winter retreats. Our gardens, forests, wetlands, and coastlines serve as vital “all-inclusive” havens, providing essential food and shelter for these incredible travelers. 

Similarly, our neighbors in Central and South America join in the celebration as they too welcome back plump warblers, wading shorebirds, agile raptors, and other migrants. WMBD unites people across the Americas in a shared commitment to securing a bright and sustainable future for these marvelous migrants.  

The WMBD 2024 theme “Protect Insects Protect Birds” is particularly timely as insects are declining worldwide due to pesticides, habitat loss, and other threats. Insects are crucial food sources for many migratory birds, providing the energy they need for their long journeys. This theme is especially relevant to the Caribbean, where our warm tropical climate supports thriving insect populations—a hearty buffet for which migratory birds make epic journeys covering thousands of miles, every year! This October, we’re urging Caribbean islanders to trade in pesticides for binoculars and join the global initiative to raise awareness about the threats to both birds and insects. By taking simple actions, like those suggested below, we can help protect these vital species. 

For the Americas, the WMBD 2024 theme is presented in English, Spanish and French:

Bugs for Birds… and People

Insects are essential sources of energy for many migratory bird species during their long journeys. The success of these migrations often depends on the timing, as birds rely on peak insect abundance at stopover locations to replenish their energy reserves before continuing their travels.

Worm-eating Warbler with a caterpillar in its beak. (Photo by Bryan Calk ML54410741)

A Common Nighthawk chases its insect prey in flight! (Photo by Brad Imhoff ML367282621)

Insects are an important protein source for growing birds too. A female Common Yellowthroat feeds its offspring. (Photo by Dawn Gunderson ML621947269)

Insects play a crucial role in ecosystems that directly benefit people. They pollinate crops, helping to produce a significant portion of the world’s food supply. Insects also contribute to natural pest control by preying on harmful species, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Additionally, they help decompose organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil, which supports healthy plant growth. Without insects, our agriculture, food security, and overall ecosystem health would be severely impacted.

However, insects face significant threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, and light pollution, among others. The decline in insect populations not only impacts ecosystems but also leads to a scarcity of this vital energy-rich food source for migratory birds, resulting in weakened immune systems, reduced reproductive success, and increased mortality rates for both adult birds and their offspring.

Your backyard is a lifeline for insects 

Protect insects and help birds by taking these actions:

• Plant native flowers, trees, and shrubs in your gardens
• Support organic farming or start your own pesticide-free kitchen garden
• Preserve natural habitats
• Leave leaf litter! It provides a crucial ecosystem for insects
• Educate your friends and family about the importance of insects

You are cordially invited to celebrate birds, explore nature, and reverse insect decline

Our amazing community of Caribbean educators and WMBD coordinators are busy preparing exciting events, including birdwatching trips, habitat clean-ups, all-day festivals, art competitions, presentations in schools, webinars, and so much more, all aimed at raising awareness of the importance of insects to birds and people. Get in touch with your local environmental groups to find out where and when the festivities will be held, and make plans to attend with friends and family. 

WMBD pins, stickers, bracelets, and more were distributed at Conservation Opportunity’s event. (Photo by Conservation Opportunity)

A volunteer ensures no trash is left behind. (Photo by Conservation Opportunity)

‘Job well done!’ Conservation Opportunity members and volunteers after the amazing cleanup effort.(Photo by Alexia Morales))

We invite all who are interested to join our educator flock! As you join the WMBD campaign, you may request WMBD educational materials by contacting Laura Baboolal, the WMBD Caribbean coordinator at lbaboolal@environmentamericas.org.

If you are planning a WMBD event or two (and we hope you are!), you will find free digital resources in English, Spanish, and French on the World Migratory Bird Day Trello board.

BirdsCaribbean will also be featuring WMBD bird species that occur in the Caribbean on our Migratory Bird of the Day webpages (Birds Connect Our World). Our drawings this fall are featuring the art of Arnaldo Toledo—Cuban ornithologist, photographer, and scientific illustrator extraordinaire! 

As in past years, we will provide free downloadable resources, including coloring pages, natural history information, puzzles, photos, videos and activity sheets—we invite you to check it out!

We also encourage you to add your events to the interactive map, so we can see where WMBD activities are taking place throughout the Caribbean: https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/events-map

Meet Your 2024 Migratory Bird and Insect Ambassadors!

Every year, EFTA selects species as WMBD ambassadors. The seven focal species this year highlight the diversity of migratory birds and their dependence on healthy insect populations and thriving habitats:

1. Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrronota*

   

2. Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus*

   

3. Nacunda Nighthawk Chordeiles nacunda
4. Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla*

   

5. Broad-tailed Hummingbird Selasphorus platycercus
6. American Kestrel Falco sparverius*

   

7. Wood Duck Aix sponsa*

   

At least five of these species, marked with an asterisk, occur in the Caribbean, though they are not all common. The region is critical for these traveling birds as they move to, from, across, and through our islands.  

This year, insects are also in the spotlight as focal species:

1. Vivid Dancer Argia vivida

   

2. Willow Sawfly Nematus corylus
3. Giant Cicada Quesada gigas

   

4. Buzzer Midge Chironomus plumosus
5. Mayfly Cinygmula ramaleyi
6. Red-legged Grasshopper Melanoplus femurrubrum 
7. Giant Water Scavenger Beetle Hydrophilus triangularis

   

First WMBD Photo Contest!

Join us for the first-ever World Migratory Bird Day Photography Contest, presented by Environment for the Americas. This year’s theme, “Protect Insects, Protect Birds,” highlights the important relationship between birds and insects. Our competition focuses on the role insects play in order to sustain migratory birds on their journeys. Win cash prizes and Vortex binoculars! Deadline is September 30th 2024.

For more information and to submit your photo: https://www.migratorybirdday.org/photography-contest-2024/

When bird migration and art take flight!

Anna Rose, a talented artist from Columbus, Ohio, is the Featured Artist for World Migratory Bird Day 2024!  With a deep connection to wildlife, Anna has received the Susan K. Black Foundation Scholarship three times, was named ‘Student Artist of the Year’ by the American Birding Association, and won first place in the Junior Duck Stamp Contest hosted by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service.  She pursued graduate studies at Ohio State University, focusing on the nesting ecology of warblers and thrushes, blending her enthusiasm for art and science. Anna’s artwork will be used throughout the Caribbean in this year’s WMBD events.

Interested in being considered for the artist for WMBD 2025? Contact us at info@environmentamericas.org

Celebrate WMBD 2024 this fall!

To learn more about World Migratory Bird Day visit the website at https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/—and learn more about Environment for the Americas who hosts WMBD in our region: www.environmentamericas.org.