Kingston celebrates World Migratory Bird Day with events for all bird fans

The City of Kingston is teaming up with Kingston Field Naturalists, Little Forests and 1000 Islands Master Gardeners to hold events for bird enthusiasts of all ages to flock to on Saturday, Oct. 11. 

Oct. 11 is World Migratory Bird Day. This global event is hosted twice a year – once in the spring to welcome our feathered friends home, and again in the fall as we wish them well on their journey south. This year’s theme, "Shared Spaces: Creating Bird Friendly Cities & Communities," highlights the importance of making urban areas safer for birds. 

To celebrate World Migratory Bird Day, the City of Kingston will be announcing the new official City Bird, chosen by residents through a public vote. Join us at the Kingston Fall Birding Festival to find out if the bird you’ve been hooting – er, rooting – for takes the top spot. 

What’s happening: 

• Little Forests Kingston and 1000 Islands Master Gardeners will host a workshop from 10 – 11:30 a.m. teaching how to design and plant a hedgerow for migratory and breeding birds. Hedgerows are living fences that bring birds, bees and beauty to our yards and our city. The cost is $25 and registration is required. Participants will also receive a bird-friendly hedgerow and bird box.
• The Kingston Fall Birding Festival takes place from 1 – 2:30 p.m. at Doug Fluhrer Park. Join the Kingston Field Naturalists for a guided birdwatching adventure along the Cataraqui River. Spot local and migrating birds, learn to identify different species, and hear fascinating stories about their journeys. Binoculars and telescopes will be provided and admission is free. Kingston’s City Bird will be announced at 2 p.m.
• Check out Novel Idea, 156 Princess St., for a World Migratory Bird Day-themed window display. 

“The City is taking flight toward becoming a certified Bird-Friendly City in 2025. ‘Bird-friendly’ means making our environment safe and welcoming for birds,” says Karen Santucci, Director of Public Works and Solid Waste for the City. “We can do this by planting native plants, providing clean water and reducing common risks for birds. We hope to see many people out learning more about Kingston’s birds on World Migratory Bird Day.”