World Migratory Bird Day 2026: Every Bird Counts
On 9 May 2026, the world once again celebrates World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD), a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about migratory birds and the importance of international cooperation in conserving them. A second global celebration will take place on 10 October 2026.
The 2026 theme, “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter,” highlights the critical role that people can play in helping scientists better understand migratory birds through observations, photography, monitoring, and citizen science. For South Africa and the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), this theme resonates strongly. The sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands, including Marion Island, are globally significant sanctuaries for migratory seabirds that travel vast distances across the Southern Ocean and beyond. Every photograph, observation, and research record contributes to the growing body of knowledge that helps protect these remarkable species.
Marion Island situated in the Southern Ocean, Marion Island hosts globally populations of migratory seabirds. Species such as the Wandering Albatross, Grey-Headed Albatross, Sooty Albatross, and many more rely on the island for breeding and feeding. Many of these birds undertake journeys across oceans and continents. The island’s landscape and surrounding marine ecosystem make it one of the world’s most natural laboratories for seabird research and conservation. For decades, SANAP has supported internationally recognised research focused on seabirds, marine ecosystems, climate change, and conservation biology on Marion Island and Gough Island. A major contributor to this work is the world-renowned FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology at the University of Cape Town. Researchers from the FitzPatrick Institute, together with scientists from several South African and international institutions, have played a leading role in advancing understanding of seabird ecology, migration, breeding success, foraging behaviour, and population trends. This research contributes not only to South African conservation efforts but also to global scientific understanding of migratory species and Southern Ocean ecosystems.
Every Observation Matters – The theme for World Migratory Bird Day 2026 reminds us that meaningful conservation is built on observations made over time. At SANAP stations, researchers, overwintering teams, voyage personnel, and field assistants regularly document bird life through their photographs. One particularly example is a timelapse video recorded by Otto Whitehead during a Marion Island takeover voyage in March 2023. Every image, every sighting, and every observation helps strengthen our collective understanding of migratory birds and the ecosystems on which they depend.
Protecting Birds Through the Marion Mouse-Free Project – Conservation on Marion Island also includes addressing one of the greatest threats facing seabirds on the island: invasive house mice. Over many decades, mice introduced accidentally to Marion Island have had devastating impacts on seabird populations. 
In response, the Marion Mouse-Free Project was launched as a restoration initiatives and the project aims to eradicate invasive mice from Marion Island and restore the island’s ecological balance. The initiative represents a powerful collaboration involving conservationists, scientists, SANAP partners, donors, and volunteers working together to secure the future of Marion Island’s seabirds.
As we celebrate World Migratory Bird Day 2026, SANAP encourages everyone — researchers, voyage participants, photographers, citizen scientists, and bird enthusiasts — to continue observing, documenting, and sharing the natural wonders of migratory birds.
Because every bird counts.
And every observation matters.
Images: John Dickens – Stefan Schoombie – Jeanne Nel – Greg Hofmeyr – Bruce Dyer
June marks 
As South Africa’s gateway to the Southern Ocean and Antarctica, SANAP plays a vital role in environmental research and conservation in some of the planet’s most fragile and remote ecosystems — including Antarctica, Marion Island, and Gough Island. During Environment Month, SANAP takes pride in celebrating the unique natural heritage of these sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions, where pristine ecosystems offer critical insight into global environmental changes.
Marion Island, in particular, stands out as a hub of scientific activity. Home to one of SANAP’s permanent research stations, the island has been central to decades of biological and environmental studies. Its long-term monitoring programmes have produced a wealth of scientific papers and post-graduate research, offering rare and invaluable data on biodiversity, ecosystem dynamics, and the far-reaching impacts of climate change. These efforts are not only advancing global understanding of environmental shifts but also reinforcing South Africa’s commitment to science-based conservation.
The United Nations has designated May 22 as the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB), a day to reflect on the vital role biodiversity plays in sustaining life on Earth. The 2025 theme, “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development,” underscores the importance of conserving biodiversity to ensure a sustainable future for both people and the planet. It is a timely reminder that a thriving natural world is the foundation of human well-being and a cornerstone for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
In South Africa, this day holds special meaning for the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP). Operating across three key research stations — Antarctica, Marion Island (part of the Prince Edward Islands), and Gough Island — SANAP plays a crucial role in understanding and preserving the unique biodiversity of the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions. These remote and fragile ecosystems are home to countless species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.
For decades, SANAP-supported scientists have been at the forefront of biodiversity research in these regions. Their work includes long-term monitoring of bird and marine mammal populations, studies on invasive species, climate change impacts, and ecosystem dynamics. Through rigorous field research and environmental stewardship, SANAP contributes to global knowledge and conservation efforts, ensuring these pristine environments continue to thrive for generations to come.
On this International Day for Biological Diversity, SANAP reaffirms its commitment to protecting the biodiversity of the Southern Ocean and its islands — not only for their intrinsic value but also for the essential role they play in the global ecosystem.
In the SANAP community we are celebrating all those involved as Researchers, Scientists, and Students at tertiary and research institutions and infrastructures, and personnel within the National Research Foundation, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Department of Public works and Infrastructure, the South African Weather Services, the South African National Space Agency, the South African Polar Research Infrastructure and all the women serving as part of the crew of the S.A. Agulhas II.
Celebrating our women overwintering team members at our stations: Antarctica (SANAEIV), Marion Island and Gough Island.
2024 women’s day commemoration is a reminder of the important contributions that are made by women to society, as well as a time to reflect on the advances in women’s rights. During 30 years of democracy, South Africa has made significant strides in advancing gender equality in all domains of society, including economic empowerment of women.
Women’s Day 2024 is the first national day led by the Government of National Unity (GNU) and takes place in a rural community as part of including all South Africans in national events, and placing a focus on the achievements and needs of women in all corners of the country. President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to officiate the 
