National Bird Day is an annual holiday celebrated on January 5th to raise awareness about the importance of birds and the challenges they face.
As we approach National Bird Day on January 5th, 2025, it is a timely opportunity to reflect on the wonder of birds and commit to protecting them.
When is National Bird Day 2025?
National Bird Day 2025 will be celebrated on Sunday, January 5th.
The holiday was first established in 2002 by the Avian Welfare Coalition to bring attention to captive and wild birds. It coincides with the annual Christmas Bird Count, one of the longest running wildlife censuses.
History and Origins
The first National Bird Day was celebrated in 2002 after being founded by the Avian Welfare Coalition. The goals were to:
- Reduce the suffering of wild and captive birds
- Raise awareness about the destructive bird trade and cruel breeding mills
- Improve conditions for birds already in captivity
It was scheduled on January 5th to coincide with the Christmas Bird Count which helps scientists track bird populations.
Over the years, National Bird Day has continued to promote avian welfare and conservation. Supporters use the day to organize educational events, bird counts, habitat restoration efforts, and more.
Birds By The Numbers
Birds are a diverse and impressive group of animals:
- 10,000 — Estimated number of bird species globally
- 850 — Species inhabiting the United States
- 12% — Percentage of bird species facing extinction risks
These remarkable numbers highlight why birds need our support!
Threats Facing Birds
Birds worldwide are facing numerous threats driving population declines:
- Habitat loss: Deforestation, development, and agriculture erase crucial nesting and foraging habitats.
- Climate change: Rising temperatures, extreme weather, drought, sea level rise, and shifting seasons threaten bird survival.
- Pollution: Pesticides, oil spills, lead poisoning, and trash compromise bird health.
- Invasive species: Introduced birds, plants, and predators outcompete native species.
- Illegal hunting: Black market poaching and trapping fuel declining species.
On National Bird Day, we resolve to counter these mounting threats.
Celebrating National Bird Day
How to celebrate? There are many great ways to celebrate National Bird Day on January 5th. Some ideas include:
- Birdwatching – Go birdwatching in your backyard, local park, or nature area to observe birds and contribute sightings to citizen science databases like eBird. Bring along bird ID guides.
- Habitat Creation – Plant native trees and flowers to provide food and shelter for birds. Install bird feeders, birdbaths, nesting boxes, etc to attract birds.
- Education – Read books, watch documentaries, attend classes/lectures about birds to learn more. Teach kids about birds.
- Creative Activities – Make bird-themed arts and crafts. Draw pictures of birds. Build DIY bird feeders. Explore your artistic talents.
- Conservation Efforts – Volunteer with bird conservation groups. Donate to organizations that protect birds. Contact elected officials about bird-friendly policies.
- Entertainment – Watch bird-related movies like The Birds, Rio, Fly Away Home. Listen to songs about birds by The Beatles, Lynyrd Skynyrd.
- Social Media – Post about National Bird Day on social media using the hashtag #NationalBirdDay to raise awareness.
The key is to celebrate birds in some way – by appreciating them, learning about them, creating habitat for them, protecting them, or teaching others. Whether enjoying birds out in nature or through creative activities indoors, National Bird Day offers the chance to connect with our feathered friends.
Quotes About National Bird Day
Famous conservationists have described the wonder of birds and why they merit our protection:
“In order to see birds it is necessary to become a part of the silence.” –Robert Lynd
“A bird does not sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” –Maya Angelou
“If you take care of birds, you take care of most of the environmental problems in the world.” –Thomas Lovejoy
On National Bird Day 2025, we sing with birds by defending the habitats they depend on and addressing the threats that silence their songs. Our voices and actions can ensure a brighter future for our feathered friends across the planet.
National Bird Day on Social Media
Help spread the word about National Bird Day 2025 on social media!
Post on your accounts using the hashtag #NationalBirdDay and tag bird conservation groups.
Here are some sample social media posts you can use:
“January 5th is #NationalBirdDay! This year I will [bird related goal] to support our feathered friends.”
“Happy #NationalBirdDay! Birds worldwide face major threats from [habitat loss/climate change/pollution/etc.]. This year I’m helping by [conservation action].”
“It’s #NationalBirdDay! These animals contribute so much to ecosystems and deserve our protection. This year I’m [volunteering/educating/donating] to make a difference!”
National Bird Day Theme
The Avian Welfare Coalition, which founded National Bird Day, typically selects a theme closer to the date to highlight important issues facing birds. For example, past themes have included “Cancel Cages” and “More Beautiful Wild” to raise awareness about captive birds and conservation.
For 2024, there is no specific National Bird Day theme mentioned. Popular hashtags being used are #NationalBirdDay, #CancelCages, and #MoreBeautifulWild.
In contrast, World Migratory Bird Day, celebrated in May and October, does have an established theme for 2024 – “Protect Birds: Be the Solution to Plastic Pollution!”. But a 2025 theme is not indicated in the search results.
The search results note that a theme for World Migratory Bird Day 2025 will likely highlight the importance of resources like insects to birds. This suggests sustainability and conservation will be focuses.
National Bird Day on January 5th does not yet have a theme for 2025, while World Migratory Bird Day’s 2025 theme will focus on an important conservation issue, though the specific topic is still to be determined.
National Bird Day Events
Here are some ways to celebrate National Bird Day 2025:
- Go birdwatching – Spend time observing birds in your backyard, local parks, nature preserves, etc. Contribute sightings to citizen science databases like eBird.
- Create bird habitat – Plant native trees and flowers, install bird feeders/baths/houses to attract more birds to your yard or community green spaces.
- Volunteer with conservation groups – Help out with habitat restoration efforts, bird counts/surveys, banding/tagging, or captive bird rescues.
- Make bird-themed crafts – Ideas include bird drawings/paintings, feeders made from recycled materials, bird costumes, and more. Display them to educate others.
- Attend bird-related events – Check for classes, lectures, conferences, museum exhibits, film screenings about birds happening locally and virtually.
- Spread awareness on social media – Post about birds using the hashtag #NationalBirdDay. Share fun facts, conservation tips, favorite photos.
- Adopt a bird – Symbolically adopt endangered wild birds or actually adopt rescue parrots/other birds in need of new homes.
- Contact elected officials – Advocate for policies and funding that protect critical bird habitats and address major threats birds face.
Conclusion
National Bird Day 2025 will be an impactful opportunity to appreciate birds and advance their conservation. From individuals making small lifestyle changes to major institutions implementing bird-friendly practices – we all have a role to play in preserving nature’s winged wonders.
The time is now to spread our wings and lift up the birds who color the skies with their beauty and fill the air with their songs.
FAQs
What day is National Pet Bird Day?
National Pet Bird Day is celebrated annually on September 17th, with the next occurrence being on September 17, 2024. It’s a chance for bird owners to share stories and photos of their feathered friends and for people considering getting a bird as a pet to learn more about proper care, enrichment, and the commitment involved. Various events, discounts, and social media campaigns often happen around the holiday as well.
What is special about January 5?
It is National Bird Day in the United States. This holiday was established in 2002 to raise awareness about captive and wild birds. It coincides with the annual Christmas Bird Count.
January 5th often marks the start of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in Harbin, China. This festival features elaborate ice and snow sculptures and attractions. It runs for over a month typically.
Historically, a few major events happened on January 5th:
In 1933, construction began on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
In 1949, President Harry Truman gave a speech about his “Fair Deal” policies.
In 1993, the oil tanker Braer ran aground near the Shetland Islands, spilling over 80 million gallons of oil.
January 5th falls close to the Epiphany, a Christian holiday celebrating the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus. The Epiphany is celebrated on January 6th.
Astrologically, January 5th falls under the zodiac sign of Capricorn. People born on this day are believed to be responsible, disciplined, and good managers.
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