“Birds in a Changing Climate” 14th Annual International Migratory Bird Day, May 12.

Birds indicate changing climate

Birds have long been indicators of environmental change, sounding the alarm about the impacts of pesticides, polluted water, and the loss of contiguous forest.

The reactions of birds to weather have also long been noted. For hundreds of years, farmers have used the arrivals of migratory birds to make decisions about planting crops.

So it’s no surprise that our feathered friends are indicating changes in our climate now, too.

“Birds in a Changing Climate” is the theme of the 14th annual International Migratory Bird Day, always the second Saturday of May, this year May 12.

Led by “Partners in Flight,” a cooperative bird conservation effort among public and private agencies and organizations, International Migratory Bird Day is observed through various educational activities across North and South America.

Participants will learn that changes in the movements of some bird species is just one indicator of the warming of the Earth's atmosphere. As the rate of warming increases, scientists are exploring how climate change will affect birds and how we can reduce our impact.

Among the Washington observances of International Migratory Bird Day on May 12 are:

• The 7th annual Tukwila Backyard Wildlife Festival, centered at the Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave S., 10 am– 3 pm, with a wildlife garden tour starting at 3 p.m. For more information, see http://www.backyardwildlifefair.org

• Clallam County Birdathon/Migratory Bird Count, coordinated by Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society; contact Bob Boekelheide at the Dungeness River Audubon Center in Sequim (360-681-4076) to sign up to count birds.

• Breakfast Boat and Bird Cruise with the Seward Park Environmental and Audubon Center aboard the M/V Fremont Ferry, 8 – 10 am. Join local migratory bird and climate change experts for breakfast and a tour around Lake Washington. Call 206-652-2444 for more information.

To learn about other International Migratory Bird Day activities in your area, see http://www.birdday.org/.