World Migratory Bird Day, 2025. Creating bird friendly communities

Spring is here and we are celebrating the arrival of migratory birds in Urdaibai. We are privileged to welcome many species, among them the purple heron, the spoonbill, the black-winged stilt, the swallow or the sand martin.

We invite you to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with us on Sunday 11th May. Come and participate in an event that takes place on a global level and unites people in a common goal to protect migratory birds and their habitats.

From 10am we will be holding a scientific ringing session, open to all the public and, in addition to this, admission to the Urdaibai Bird Centre will be from 11:00 to 19:00.

This year's campaign is dedicated to creating bird-friendly cities and communities. It highlights the need for a healthy coexistence between humans and birds. It focuses on creating and adapting environments that support migratory bird populations across all communities, from bustling cities to smaller towns and villages.

The campaign also aims raise awareness about the many challenges migratory birds face due to human activities and expanding urban development. The campaign advocates for strategic urban planning and conservation efforts that incorporate bird-friendly practices, making sure that our communities become havens for these remarkable travelers.

Managed by the Urdaibai Bird Center, the Gautegiz Arteaga wetlands have become a haven for birds

Here they can rest and replenish during their migrations, safe from human disturbance..

In spring you can enjoy marvellous scenes such as stilts breeding, ruffs feeding or the tireless swifts flying high over the marshes

The huge variety of birds that use this natural space is due to several factors. For one thing the availability of food is spectacular. In addition, the different salinities and depths of the water attract bird species with different habits and characteristics. Finally, the marshes of Gautegiz Arteaga offer birds the peace and quiet they need so much.

Everyone who visits the Urdaibai Bird Center contributes to the conservation of this wetland and the birds that inhabit it. Everyone who visits us helps strengthen the global community supporting and respecting nature.

Do you want to be part of this community? Join us on World Migratory Bird Day to support the cause and enjoy migration in all its splendour.