2026 Migratory Bird Day Festival
San Marcos Discovery Center
https://www.migratorybirdday.org/resources/
Betsy Cross
Each spring and fall, billions of birds travel ancient migratory pathways that connect continents, countries, and communities. Along the Central Flyway, Hays County serves as an important stopover for many of these species, making our community part of a much larger story of migration, habitat, and conservation.
Celebrating World Migratory Bird Day in San Marcos
The San Marcos Migratory Bird Festival was held in conjunction with World Migratory Bird Day, officially observed on Saturday, May 9, 2026, as communities around the globe celebrated the wonder and conservation of migratory birds.
The 2026 theme, “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter!” highlights the role everyday people play in helping scientists and conservationists better understand migratory birds through community science and bird observation efforts.
From Niki Lake, San Marcos Discovery Center Specialist and Organizer of the Migratory Bird Day Festival:
“When I think of what stands out to me most about Migratory Bird Day this year, I think of our community. Our partners, sponsors, donors, volunteers, staff, vendors, speakers, bird walk leaders, and the 430 attendees—and their passion and appreciation for birds—worked together to make this 5th annual event a success.
There were so many magical moments. The birds knew it was their day and really showed themselves on the bird walks and in the gardens. Craig Hensley, a retired Texas Parks & Wildlife Department biologist, donated hundreds of regionally-sourced native plants, and we were able to give away about 300 plants for folks to create more bird habitat in San Marcos!
Local artist and bird lover Rene Perez agreed to speak and made one of my Bird Day dreams come true. He shared that he used to try to mimic birds to communicate with them, then learned to just talk to them in an authentic, caring way, and now they are friends. That’s how I feel about birds. They are part of our community, our ecosystem, and are our friends and neighbors.
According to the Coahuiltecan people, the original inhabitants and stewards of San Marcos, a waterbird pulled people through the San Marcos Springs into the upper world and is the reason we are here to begin with. We owe a lot to birds. They not only perform critical ecosystem services, but they also provide joy, inspiration, healing, and enhance our daily lives through their beauty, song, and antics.
I am so grateful to be surrounded by a community that knows the inherent value of birds and works together to keep our city bird-friendly.” —Niki Lake
Hays County Master Naturalists greeted visitors and engaged the children to measure their wingspans.
Families, bird enthusiasts, community organizations, and conservation partners gathered to celebrate the wonder of migration through live bird presentations, educational exhibits, guided activities, art, and opportunities to learn more about the birds that move through Central Texas each year. The festival also reflected San Marcos’ growing recognition as a bird-friendly community following its designation as a Bird City Texas city.
Each spring, millions of birds move north through Texas along the Central Flyway, relying on healthy habitat and safe stopover locations during their journey. Some stay only briefly before continuing north, while others settle in to nest and raise young. Events like the San Marcos Migratory Bird Festival offer an opportunity to witness both stories unfolding side by side.
Sometimes, one extraordinary morning is enough to remind us why migration season never loses its sense of wonder.
Chestnut-sided Warbler