World Migratory Bird Day

Join the festivities to learn about the birds that are arriving back in NW Illinois for the summer at the World Migratory Bird Day celebration at the Galena River Trailhead under the Highway 20 bridge. The day will start with a bird walk from 9:00-10:30am along the River Trail with Tom Clay, Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation’s Director of Special Projects. The main event will take place from 1:00-4:00pm with birdy activities for the whole family.

The World Migratory Bird Day gathering in Galena will begin with the City of Galena making a proclamation to be a bird-friendly community as an official Bird City Illinois. This will be followed by followed by crafts, games, and face-painting for the kids. The more avid birders will get the chance to learn more about how to record their own bird observations to keep scientists informed. There will also be bluebird boxes for sale for $35. These proceeds will go back to supporting Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation Bluebird Recovery Program.

This will be the second year that the City of Galena will have the designation as an Illinois Bird City. In August 2024 Galena was declared an Illinois Bird City, joining nine other Illinois cities. The Illinois Bird City program is a part of the Bird City Network, which is powered by American Bird Conservancy and Environment for the Americas with major support from US Fish & Wildlife Service.

In order to receive the title Illinois Bird City, the City of Galena met criteria in the following categories: habitat creation, prevention of threats to birds, education & engagement, and sustainability. To maintain the designation, the City of Galena must prove they are able to meet those categories every four years, they must host a World Migratory Bird Day event, and have an official Bird City Resolution.