Calling all shutterbugs and bird enthusiasts! We want you to capture the vibrant avian life of Chicago through your lens and participate in the inaugural "Chicago Birds Photography Contest." Photographers of all experience levels are invited to compete with winning submissions eligible for eternal bragging rights and cash prizes!
The importance of Black Americans in conservation and environmentalism is GREATLY underrepresented and it requires some digging to learn about the significant past and current Black contributors and advocates of birding, conservation, and environmental justice.
This time of year, owls become the focus of many nature lovers. The presence of humans can be stressful for owls, so it’s important to understand more about owls and follow simple guidelines to ensure their safety.
The importance of Black Americans in conservation and environmentalism is GREATLY underrepresented and it requires some digging to learn about the significant past and current Black contributors and advocates of birding, conservation, and environmental justice.
With freezing temperatures, limited daylight and lengthy nights, many birds have eschewed Chicago for warmer climes. But there are still a number of hardy souls here, such as the Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, and Northern Cardinal. They have adopted diverse strategies that allow them to endure a Chicagoland winter.
Lately, it hasn’t always been apparent that the Chicago area is knee-deep in winter – for one thing, there’s been very little snow to be knee-deep in! However, many birds in our area provide a clue to the current astronomical season: their winter plumage. What we see in winter is non-breeding or basic plumage. Here we’ll learn about some dramatic and some subtle plumage changes in birds that we may see in Chicago this winter.
December marks the beginning of the Christmas Bird Count, and with the holiday season in full swing, the iconic song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” has been playing relentlessly. But did you know that the birds in this classic song can essentially be found in Illinois? Learn which birds you can observe for the Christmas Bird Count that also show up in “The Twelve Days of Christmas!”
Did you know that Wild Turkeys, the symbol of Thanksgiving and November, have been sighted right here in Chicagoland? Learn about the history of turkeys in Chicago, from their reintroduction to save them from the brink of being wiped out to how they’ve rebounded so well that they’ve gained new, potentially uncharted, territory.
The Chicago area, and in particular the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC), are fortunate to have several different types of natural habitats that birds need to thrive, including shrublands. Partnering for Birds, created by the Chicago Bird Alliance in collaboration with FPCC, uses data from the Bird Conservation Network and eBird to describe work-in-progress and birds of concern in the different habitats.
Nature is full of awe and birds are a prime example of how fascinating the fauna on earth is. Some of this wonder, however, can come with a side of apprehension. Seeing as it’s Halloween, below are seven examples of how birds can be just a bit unsettling, whether it be the way they stare with those red eyes, their means of communication, or, in the case of the Loggerhead Shrike, their predilection for impalement.
This year’s cicada season has come and gone, and during the spring and summertime, birders across Chicagoland eagerly observed their favorite birds feasting upon two broods of periodical cicadas. You submitted some fantastic photos, and it was great to see how birds were reacting to the abundance of cicadas! However, some fledglings started to lose their eyesight, possibly due to eating too many cicadas.
Chicago’s dynamic urban environment, with its mix of parks, river walks, and green spaces, supports a diverse array of bird species. From the familiar Northern Cardinal to migratory species like the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, these birds play crucial roles in our city’s ecosystem. However, the presence of pets, particularly cats and dogs, poses significant challenges to these avian populations. Understanding the impact of pet ownership and adopting responsible practices can help safeguard our feathered friends.
The first-ever Urban Birding Festival, which ran from September 13th – September 15th, was an immense success! The festival offered a thrilling mixture of expert presentations, guided birding trips, educational workshops, and social gatherings. It was a fantastic opportunity for experienced and novice birders to learn more about avian wildlife and connect with others passionate about birds.
With the deaths of the great horned owl family of Lincoln Park having been confirmed to be the result of rodenticides, it’s important to understand the devastating impact that rat poison has on birds of prey, and what solutions can be implemented to handle the brown rat population of Chicago properly.
Our recommendations:
Landscaping that supports native birds, including at least one new bird sanctuary, all with diverse plant structure (canopy, understory, shrubs and ground cover), many areas of plant density and good plant species diversity
Preservation of specific areas, i.e., Montrose Beach, Jarvis Bird Sanctuary, etc.
Creation of migratory bird habitat as a buffer between the lakefront and dangerous buildings
Creation of shorebird habitat on islands, if possible
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