DNM invites residents to contribute observations
Aruba’s Department of Nature and Environment, known as DNM, is asking the community to record migratory birds for World Migratory Bird Day 2026. According to 24ora, this year’s campaign emphasizes citizen science under the message that every bird and every observation counts.
Aruba provides resting and feeding areas for species travelling thousands of kilometres. Dams, salt flats, mangroves, and other habitats help birds recover energy, while some species also breed on the island before continuing their journeys.
Residents can help without disturbing wildlife
DNM recommends putting out clean, fresh water without sugar, medicine, or other additives. It advises residents not to feed wild birds and to keep their distance from birds, nests, eggs, and chicks. Vehicles should remain on designated routes and away from coastal salt-spray zones.
Citizen-science records support conservation
People can submit sightings through ObsIdentify, eBird, and iNaturalist. Those records can help researchers and DNM understand migration routes, seasonal arrival patterns, and the number of birds visiting Aruba. DNM also pointed to longer dry periods, habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, pesticides, power lines, and large glass windows as pressures on migratory bird populations.
