Oranjestad – World Migratory Bird Day is a day that creates awareness about the importance of preserving migratory birds and their habitats. World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated twice a year, on May 13 and October 14.
This year’s theme is water. Since migratory birds travel enormous distances, water is essential to their journey. The quality and quantity of available water is under constant threat worldwide. That is why many world organizations jointly set up strategic campaigns to draw attention to World Migratory Bird Day.
This collaboration should lead to greater awareness of migratory birds and their needs. The hope is that more international organizations will join, not only for the good of the birds but also for their habitats.
The Directorate of Nature and Environment (DNM) recognizes the importance of our bays and wetlands for the migratory birds that need to rest, eat and breed. The condition of the habitat must be favorable for the birds. Migratory birds depend on various water sources such as ocean water, lagoons, rivers, dams, wetlands, and bays. These locations have trees that serve as food and breeding grounds for the birds and shelter. These areas are essential for the birds to rest after or before the long journey.
Unfortunately, the aquatic habitat and ecosystem are under constant threat from humans. In Aruba, this is no exception, as the high demand for land for housing and the severe drought threatens the ideal conditions for these birds. The main habitat for birds in Aruba is the Bubali Plas, which is full of spectacular birds.
The DNM urges the community to be careful when dealing with wild local and migratory birds. The “National Decree on Protected Flora and Fauna” is available at dnmaruba.org and contains the list of protected birds in Aruba.
In this list you will find birds like the Blue Tails emerald, the Ruby Topaz Hummingbird, Peregrine Falcon, the Yellow Shouldered Amazon, the national bird Brown-Throated Parakeet and the national symbol the Burrowing Owl.
