Each year, the skies remind us of a quiet miracle. Across continents and oceans, millions of migratory birds traverse thousands of kilometers, connecting the Arctic tundra to tropical wetlands, bustling cities to quiet estuaries. World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD), celebrated twice annually in May and October, is a global recognition of this astonishing journey—and a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect it.

This year’s theme, “Creating Bird-Friendly Cities & Communities,” is more than aspirational. It’s urgent. As human settlements sprawl and vertical skylines replace green landscapes, we risk turning critical stopovers into silent voids. Expanding cities, glass buildings, artificial lights, pollution, and habitat destruction all pose existential threats to migratory species—many of which are already in decline.

WMBD was observed on Oct. 11 with activities to create more awareness on the migratory birds' importance to the ecosystem. This reminder underscores a deeper truth: awareness days are not endpoints. They are entry points—sparks meant to ignite longer-lasting change.

And the Philippines plays a pivotal role in this global migration network. The country lies within the East Asian–Australasian Flyway (EAAF)—one of the world's most important bird migration corridors. According to EAAFP, more than 50 million migratory waterbirds, representing over 250 species, travel along this route each year. The Philippines provides crucial staging and wintering sites that allow birds to rest and refuel during their long journeys.

Among the critical flyway sites in the Philippines are the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Cebu, Las Piñas–Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA) in Metro Manila, Naujan Lake National Park in Oriental Mindoro, Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area, and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. These areas serve as sanctuaries for species such as the Black-faced Spoonbill, egrets, plovers, whimbrels, and various species of ducks and shorebirds.

But these migrants do more than simply pass through. They help pollinate plants, control insect populations, contribute to seed dispersal, and thus support biodiversity and healthy ecosystems — all of which matter to farmers, fisherfolk, and ordinary households. Healthy wetlands reduce flood risk, filter water, and protect shorelines. Birds are indicators: when they decline, we know the environment is also weakening.

Migratory birds begin arriving in the Philippines around September, as they escape the approaching winter in northern breeding grounds. According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the migration season typically peaks between October and February, before the birds head north again from March to May.

Urban growth, however, threatens these critical habitats. Fatal collisions with buildings, pollution, and the shrinking of wetlands due to land reclamation and infrastructure projects are putting additional pressure on these species. As the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) warns, “Poorly managed urban development is increasingly disrupting migratory bird pathways across the globe.”

Still, there is hope. The WMBD 2025 campaign calls on individuals, local governments, schools, and businesses to adopt bird-friendly practices. These include using non-reflective glass, planting native trees, reducing night lighting, restoring wetlands, and including green spaces in city planning.

The essence of WMBD lies in the word “shared.” We share airspace, coastlines, and climates with these winged travelers. And now, we must also share the responsibility of ensuring they have safe passage.

World Migratory Bird Day is a reminder that the skies above us connect us to ecosystems across nations. These birds are migratory guests whose journeys reflect the health of our lands, waters, and communities. Safeguarding their passage is an act of shared responsibility. If we protect them, we protect ourselves, our environment, and the legacies we leave behind.

May our actions ensure that every flap of wing, every birdsong, every migratory path remains possible for generations to come. (Email: [email protected])