Tag Archives: World Shorebirds Day

What is World Shorebirds Day?

Each year, fall migration brings a specific group of birds into the continental United States. These birds skitter around beaches and flooded fields, providing entertainment for birders who love them for their incredible variety along with the challenges that come with identifying them. What group is this? Shorebirds.

Shorebirds are sometimes thought of as any bird that frequents the coastlines of oceans and large lakes, but this isn’t quite accurate. In reality, the term “shorebird” describes a member of (a particular taxonomical group) the order Charadriiformes which includes birds such as sandpipers, plovers, snipe, and avocets among others. While the term “shorebird” is a somewhat colloquial term, it has gained popularity to describe these species.

Why was World Shorebirds Day created?

Red Knot
Red Knot

While some shorebird species are common, others are in significant trouble as their numbers drop and their habitats continue to disappear. As a result of the perilous future of shorebird species, World Shorebirds Day was born. World Shorebirds Day aims to bring awareness to these often overlooked species and create a fun event to help gather data on them.

When is World Shorebirds Day?

World Shorebirds Day is on September 6 each year and is surrounded by a shorebird count week. In recent years, this count week has been from September 1 through September 7.

How can I participate in World Shorebirds Day?

How to use eBird: A Beginner’s Guide

World Shorebirds Day is very easy to participate in. All you need is an eBird account. During the count week, go birding in locations where shorebirds could potentially be. Record your sightings on eBird, and then share your checklists with the username worldshorebirdsday. It’s also worth noting that the eBird mobile app can be a quick and easy way to count shorebirds.

How to use the eBird Mobile App: A Beginner’s Guide

Conclusion

World Shorebirds Day is a fun event that can add some excitement to the late summer and early fall. As migration begins, some amazing species will be moving through the continental United States, and what better way to celebrate than to go out and find them?

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