Celebrated on the second Saturday of May, World Migratory Bird Day is a global celebration dedicated to raising awareness of birds and nature. This year’s celebration will emphasise the value of insects to migratory birds and draw attention to issues regarding declining insect populations. Many migrating bird species rely heavily on insects as their primary energy supply not just during mating seasons but also during their long migrations, which can have a significant impact on these migrations. 

During their stops throughout their migration routes, birds actively search for insects to refuel before continuing their trips in various environments such as marshes, forests, and farms. Hence when birds migrate, their stops typically include periods of peak bug abundance. Therefore, the existence and well-being of birds are threatened by the decline and disturbance of insect populations at these locations. Insect populations may drop due to the decline of areas like grasslands that have been altered because of agriculture, urban expansion, and its byproducts like light pollution. Many insects that birds depend on for food are harmed by pesticides and herbicides used to protect crops. Insects are necessary for pollination as well as pest management, but overpopulation can also result in epidemics that harm plant health and agriculture when there are no natural predators like birds.

The World Migratory Bird Day campaign in 2024 will stress the need for proactive conservation measures. This includes reducing the use of pesticides and fertilisers where possible and switching to organic farming. Other measures include maintaining and connecting areas of natural vegetation which provide food and shelter for birds and other species, in agricultural landscapes.