Double-crested cormorants over Monterey Bay, California

Life along the flyway. World Migratory Bird Day

World Migratory Bird Day celebrates one of nature's greatest journeys. Observed each year in May and October, the global campaign reflects migration patterns around the world and highlights the importance of protecting the habitats and flyways that birds depend on. 'Every Bird Counts—Your Observations Matter!' is the 2026 theme, emphasizing how observations by individuals and communities can contribute to bird research, monitoring, and conservation, helping scientists better understand migration.

Today's image captures double-crested cormorants flying above the waves of Monterey Bay, California. Widespread across North America, these adaptable seabirds may migrate or remain year-round, depending on the population. Along California's coast, bays, wetlands, and estuaries provide important habitat for birds traveling the Pacific Flyway. For many species, these ecosystems support journeys spanning vast distances. Each sighting helps reveal these migrations and reminds us that even a single bird can be part of a much larger story.