World Migratory Bird Day
Celebrated on the Second Weekend in May World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD)
Warmer weather brings more of our feathered friends back to city parks. We celebrate these incredible travellers when migration is at its peak during World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary.
The event provides opportunities to learn about these birds, their incredible journeys and how you can help make our city more bird friendly.
World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) – May 10, 2026
Warmer weather brings more of our feathered friends back to city parks. We celebrate these incredible travellers when migration is at its peak during World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) on the second weekend in May.
Grab your friends and family and head over to Inglewood Bird Sanctuary for a free WMBD event on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
Learn about these birds, their incredible journeys, how you can help make our city more bird-friendly and participate in citizen science.
Event details
When: Sunday, May 10 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Rain or shine! We will move indoors if it’s rainy).
Where: Inglewood Bird Sanctuary – 2425 9th Ave. SE
What: Free, family-friendly event for all ages!
- 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Guided walks (1 hour), meet at the Parks & Open Spaces booth near the parking lot in front of the Nature Centre. - 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Stop by the Walker House for the Charisse Chickadee & the Tasty Treats show tailored toward elementary school-aged students. - 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Display booths from local organizations sharing information about birds, native plants, and other nature-themed topics.
- Picnic-style games near the parking lot in front of the Nature Centre.
- Winged Wisdom trail – Download the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY) IndigiTRAILS app before you arrive to explore Indigenous art and teachings through an augmented reality exhibit featuring the birds of Treaty 7 and wisdom of local Elders.
- Explore the additional displays inside the Nature Centre.
Who: Bird enthusiasts of all ages are welcome. There will be dedicated activities for our youngest bird lovers.
Why: Celebrate the return of our feathered friends and discover how you can play a part in keeping our city bird-friendly.
Theme: “Every Bird Counts, Your Observations Matter”: Citizen Science.
Migratory Birds
Migratory birds are an important part of our ecosystem. They control pests, disperse seeds and pollinate plants. They also serve as indicators of environmental health. To increase your chances of seeing a migratory bird visiting Calgary, head out for a quiet walk at either dawn or dusk and bring some binoculars with you. Consider visiting the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary to see songbirds and waterfowl and Ralph Klein Park to find wading birds and waterfowl.
Here are some examples of the types of migratory birds you can expect to see in Calgary:
- American Kestrel
- Bank Swallows
- Blackpoll Warbler
- Double-crested Cormorants
- Great Blue Heron
- Least Flycatcher
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Savannah Sparrow
- Tree Swallow
- Wood Duck
- Yellow-rumped Warbler
What can you do to help make our city more bird-friendly?
Help make our city more bird-friendly by:
- Planting native – Plants that are native to your community provide the food and shelter birds need. You can also remove invasive plants that can take over.
- Making windows visible – Birds don’t recognize clear glass and may collide with windows. Placing decals on the outside of windows can reduce bird strikes that can stun or kill birds. If you find a stunned bird, place it in an open box outside (with a small amount of water) to protect it from predators while it recovers. If it hasn’t flown away after a day, it is worth reaching out to a local wildlife rehabilitation centre.
- Protecting insects – 95% of birds depend on insects at some time during their life cycle. Ask your local garden centre how you can address pests in your yard in a bird-friendly way and avoid using pesticides and other chemicals in your yard where possible.
- Restraining your pets – Follow the Responsible Pet Bylaw which includes keeping dogs on leash except within the 160 designated off-leash areas in Calgary. It is especially important to keep dogs on leash while visiting natural areas to protect birds and their nesting habitats. For example, dogs aren’t allowed (except assistance dogs) at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary to protect the birds that visit the park.
- Taking your trash with you – When you are in a park space, either put your trash in a garbage can or take it with you when you leave.
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Calgary Parks
There are numerous community and public parks in Calgary to explore.
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Contact us
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