Birds are everywhere: in city parks, backyards, forests and coastlines. National Bird Day, on January 5, celebrates them and draws attention to the challenges many species face, from habitat loss to window collisions. Early January is a good time to notice birds, because bare trees make them easier to spot and many backyard visitors rely on extra food in cold weather. Whether you are an experienced birder or just enjoy the sound of birdsong, there are simple ways to take part.
History of National Bird Day
Bird Day has older roots in the United States. In 1894, Charles Almanzo Babcock, a school superintendent in Oil City, Pennsylvania, created a Bird Day for schools, encouraging students to learn about and protect birds. The idea spread, and many schools held Bird Day events alongside Arbor Day.
The modern National Bird Day, held on January 5, was established in 2002 by the animal welfare group Born Free USA together with the Avian Welfare Coalition. Its goals include raising awareness of the illegal bird trade, the welfare of captive birds, and the conservation of wild bird populations.
The date also overlaps with the end of the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, a long-running citizen science project in which volunteers count birds between mid-December and early January. Data from the count helps scientists track how bird populations are changing. A major 2019 study estimated that North America has lost nearly 3 billion breeding birds since 1970.
Why National Bird Day Matters
Birds pollinate plants, spread seeds and control insects, so their health is linked to the health of whole ecosystems. Changes in bird populations often act as early warnings of environmental problems.
Birds are also one of the easiest ways to connect with nature. You can watch them from a window, and learning to recognize a few species can make every walk more interesting.
How to Celebrate National Bird Day
- Go birdwatching: spend 15 minutes watching birds in a park or backyard and note what you see.
- Put out food and water: winter feeders and a heated birdbath help birds through the cold.
- Make windows safer: add decals or screens to reduce bird collisions.
- Join citizen science: report sightings in a free bird-tracking app or join a local count.
- Choose responsibly: never buy wild-caught birds, and research before adopting a pet bird.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, teams can put a bird feeder outside an office window and keep a sightings log, or share photos of birds seen on the way to work. Organizations can review building windows and add bird-safe decals. In classrooms, students can make simple pine-cone feeders, keep a tally of birds seen from the school grounds, or research a state bird. Older students can learn how bird counts help scientists track climate change. At home, families can set up a feeder and use a free identification app to name visitors. Children enjoy keeping a bird journal with drawings, and a short walk with binoculars can turn into a weekend tradition.
Fun Facts About National Bird Day
- Charles Almanzo Babcock started a school Bird Day in 1894.
- The Audubon Christmas Bird Count has run since 1900.
- A 2019 study estimated North America has lost nearly 3 billion breeding birds since 1970.
National Bird Day FAQs
When is National Bird Day?
National Bird Day is January 5.
Who created National Bird Day?
Born Free USA and the Avian Welfare Coalition established it in 2002.
What should I feed backyard birds in winter?
Black-oil sunflower seeds, suet and nyjer seed are popular. Avoid bread, which offers little nutrition.
How can I stop birds from hitting my windows?
Use window decals, external screens or patterned films spaced closely enough that birds see a barrier.