World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is an annual observance aimed at highlighting the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. The day also raises awareness about the threats faced by migratory birds, their ecological importance and the international cooperation to conserve them. World Migratory Bird Day 2019 will be celebrated on October 12. One of the main reasons for the loss of their habitat is plastic. The deadly material has been threatening the life of many migratory birds. Birds often mistake tiny plastic particles for food causing indigestion, eventually resulting in their death. Pictures and videos of dead birds with a stomach full of plastic often go viral on social media platforms. There is an urgent need to save migratory birds from the deadly plastic pollution which results in the mass decline of their population. As we observe World Migratory Bird Day 2019,  bring to you ways in which we as a society can fight plastic pollution and save our birds. Interesting Facts about Some of the Most Beautiful Migratory Birds in the World (View Pics)

On World Migratory Bird Day 2019, various events will be held internationally to mark the day. Programmes on saving migratory birds and their habitat will also be held globally. The number of seabirds dying of plastic is currently estimated at one million and growing. There is an urgent need to save seabirds from plastic in their guts. It is said that by 2050 seabirds ingesting plastic will reach 99 percent. Turtles From All Seven Oceans in The World Have Microplastics in Their Body! New Study Reveals Shocking Extents of Plastic Pollution.

Keep Beaches Clean

Clean beaches will translate into lesser polluted seas and oceans. It will also ensure that birds will not be feeding onto plastic wrappers, cigarette butts, tablet covers and anything unfit for consumption. One can contribute to the environment by volunteering in cleaning beach and oil spill or similar events.

Stop Littering

Waste in water bodies are the main enemies of migratory birds which feed on fish and other marine animals from water. They generally mistake shredded pieces of plastic wrappers, cigarette butts, caps of plastic bottle for food. It is an urgent need to stop littering our surroundings, especially water bodies for the benefit of migratory birds.

 

Stop Releasing Balloons Into Air

According to a study by researchers at the University of Tasmania in Australia, seabirds are mistakenly feeding on balloons resulting in their death. Balloons released during celebratory events generally end up in the sea causing their death. The gut content of birds has been identified with materials present in balloon debris. Albatrosses and other birds consume these materials resulting in their death. Scientists said that one in five birds that consumed balloons died.

The international community needs to take urgent actions to tackle plastic pollution which affects animals and birds. On World Migratory Bird Day 2019, various events like birdwatching hikes, festivals, movies on birds will be screening trying to make awareness about birds and their contribution to the environment. The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) — two intergovernmental wildlife treaties administered by UN Environment — organize the campaign in cooperation with Environment for the Americas (EFTA).

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 12, 2019 10:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).