An estimated 35 million birds will fly over Clallam County during this current spring migratory period.

Annually, more than 400 bird species can be seen on the North Olympic Peninsula.

Some reside here year-round, while others come to breed and raise their young, and still others migrate through.

Migration is the seasonal movements of birds flying between breeding and wintering grounds that occur each spring and fall. Bird migration is fraught with risks.

The vast majority of songbirds and other species journey at night relying on natural cues provided by the moon and stars

Since the 1970s, in the United States more than three billion birds have been lost, largely in part due to human-generated light pollution fragmenting the night skies.

Recognizing that birds are vital to our environment and local tourism economy, Sequim Mayor Brandon Janisse proclaimed May 10 World Migratory Bird Day.

On behalf of the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society (OPAS), Joyce Volmut, Conservation co-chair, accepted the mayor’s proclamation executed on April 28.

On this day and others during the migratory period, fellow residents and businesses are asked to turn off unnecessary exterior lights, dim or turn off unneeded interior lights, use timers or motion sensors where outdoor lighting is required, and ensure exterior lights are pointed downward and shielded from reaching the sky.

To learn more about protecting migratory birds, visit migratorybirdday.org/.

For more about creating bird-friendly cities and communities, visit audubon.org/our-work/cities-and-towns.

The Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society promotes birding and habitat conservation through science-based education, advocacy, and stewardship.