'Birds Connect Our World'

World Migratory Bird Day is observed twice in a year i.e. on 14th May and 8th October. For this year, the
theme of the day is set to be ‘Light Pollution’. United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) notes,
“Artificial light is increasing globally by at least 2 per cent per year and it is known to adversely affect
many bird species. Light pollution is a significant threat to migratory birds, causing disorientation when
they fly at night, leading to collisions with buildings, perturbing their internal clocks, or interfering with
their ability to undertake long-distance migrations.” UNEP highlights that solutions to light pollution are
readily available. For instance, more and more cities in the world are taking measures to dim building
lights during migration phases in spring and autumn. According to Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF),
“Pakistan lies at a crossroads for bird migration, with its wetlands attracting high numbers annually in
the winter season. These birds arrive through the international migration route known as the Indus
Flyway, from Siberia and fly over the Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Suleiman Ranges along the Indus River
down to the delta. They include a wide variety of ducks and waders, houbara bustard, cranes, teals,
pintail, mallard, geese, spoon bills, raptors, and passerines such as warblers, pipits and buntings. Some
species, including the common and demoiselle cranes, snipe and pelican enter via the Kurram area of
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”
On the eve of World Migratory Bird Day, we will discuss how people and birds can exist together in cities
and how cities can contribute in conservation efforts.