WHSRN Week
A Week to Celebrate, Connect, and Inspire
WHSRN Week is a celebration that brings together the Network’s sites, partners, and communities around a shared purpose: recognizing the importance of shorebirds and showcasing the work being done to conserve them across the hemisphere.
In 2026, WHSRN Week will take place from September 1st to 7th during an especially meaningful year for the Network, as WHSRN celebrates its 40th anniversary. World Shorebirds Day will be one of the week’s main highlights.
The program will feature a mix of creative workshops and technical talks on shorebird monitoring and conservation, along with the Shorebird Big Day on Sunday, September 6. WHSRN Sites are invited to observe birds and share their observations on eBird. You can also submit checklists from counts conducted at any time between September 1 and 7.
In 2025, 295 people from 14 countries shared 169 eBird checklists and recorded 63,753 shorebirds. This year, we hope to increase participation and continue showcasing the strength of the Network’s collective efforts.
Calendar of Events
Tuesday, September 1
Launch of the 2026 WHSRN Introductory Training Program
Registration is now open for a new edition of this free, self-paced online program. It is designed primarily for people who work at a site designated by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network, as well as at sites that may be eligible for WHSRN designation. This program is offered in Spanish and Portuguese only.
Registration: September 1–7, 2026
Wednesday, September 2
Creative Workshop: “Between Stitches and Tides”
With Vi Ramírez
Time: 5:00 PM (Colombia) – 7:00 PM (Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and São Paulo, Brazil)
A creative session to reimagine shorebird photographs through embroidery. Each participant will create a piece inspired by these winged travelers.
Thursday, September 3
Workshop: “Lines in Flight”
With Manuel Sosa
Time: 4:00 PM (Colombia) – 6:00 PM (Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and São Paulo, Brazil)
A drawing journey to observe and capture the form, movement, and migratory spirit of shorebirds. No previous drawing experience is required. What to bring: paper and pencil
Sunday, September 6
World Shorebirds Day and Shorebird Big Day at WHSRN Sites
Join sites and communities across the continent to observe, record, and share shorebird sightings. Together, we will compile these observations on eBird to highlight the importance of these sites and the contribution of participatory science to shorebird conservation.
Remember, you can submit eBird checklists from counts conducted at any time between September 1 and 7.
To participate and include your site in the celebration, complete the registration form.
Let’s Count Birds and Share Stories
During the week, join the celebration by conducting a shorebird count at your WHSRN site and sharing your observations. On the day of your count, don’t forget to share your eBird checklist with the WHSRN_RHRAP account to help us capture a network-wide snapshot of shorebird presence.
You can also share photos and videos on social media by tagging @whrsn_rhap or using #WHSRN. At the end of the week, email your content to cgaleano@manomet.org so that we can share it across the Network. Don’t forget to include key details such as the site name, photo credit, species, and information about the people pictured, where applicable.
Resources to Support Your Activities
Whether you’re engaging school groups, local communities, decision-makers, or nature enthusiasts, we’ve got materials to help you make the most of your celebration. Explore and choose what best fits your audience and activity. All resources are free to use and adaptable to your local context.
FAQ
It’s a shared annual initiative across WHSRN sites to celebrate migratory shorebirds, strengthen connections between sites, highlight local conservation work, and build a hemispheric community through collective action.
Everything counts! You can plan bird counts, nature walks, school events, workshops, talks, art activities, or simply share your site’s work on social media. Participation is flexible and can be adapted to your site’s interests and capacity.
The next edition will take place over the course of a full week, September 1 – 7. Expanding the celebration to a week gives sites more time to organize and share their activities.
All WHSRN Sites and their local partners: organizations, schools, community members, rangers, volunteers, guides, and more. The celebration is open and inclusive.
Because your site is part of a continental network. What happens locally has a real impact for thousands of migratory birds. By participating, you help strengthen connections across the network, celebrate your local leadership, and share the value of your conservation work.
WHSRN’s Executive Office will offer communication materials, outreach templates, activity ideas, graphic resources, social media support, and visibility to help boost your local efforts.
During the week, you can share photos and videos on social media by tagging @whrsn_rhap or using #WHSRN. At the end of the week, send your content by email to cgaleano@manomet.org so that we can spread it to the entire network. Don’t forget to include important information such as the name of the site, author of the photo, species and/or details of the people in the photo.
This year marks the WHSRN’s 40th anniversary. It’s the perfect time to build momentum, strengthen the sense of belonging, and celebrate decades of collaborative conservation.
Cover Photo: Long-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus) at WHSRN Site Bahia de todos Santos, Mexico. By JonathanVargas.
Photo Shorebirds Big Day 2024 at WHSRN site Humedal Marino de Coihuín, Chile. Photo: Gabriela Contreras.
