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.
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!
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.
In the interest of being more mindful and considerate in our gift buying, supporting Black and BIPOC businesses and creators, and - and well, BIRDS! - here is an alternative list of ideas to make your 2022 gifting thoughtful, fun and bird friendly!
Winter Birding in The Windy City: Some may feel as though winter birdwatching is lackluster in comparison to spring or fall, in the absence of all the migrating species and their flashy colors or interesting songs. But, it actually may be a perfect time for other beginners to develop and practice their bird identification skills.
Earlier this summer, several different groups converged at South Shore Nature Sanctuary for a bird walk and habitat restoration day. Led by Chicago’s Feminist Bird Club and the South Shore Sanctuary stewards, the event brought out a sizeable group to remove grapevine from encroaching on the dune habitat, and assist field museum employees collect egg count and nest progress data on Purple Martins. Recently, I caught up with my close friend (and FBC Chicago leader) Bridget, who filled me in on all the highlights of the event.
In Spring 2022, the Journal of Animal Ecology published an extensive study about avian nesting behavior and climate change conducted by a group of Chicago-based ornithologists. Researchers from University of Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Field Museum utilized field observations and the museum’s historical records to track nesting dates for 72 species of birds spanning 143 years. This article not only serves as an interesting contribution to the scientific community, but also as a testament to the prominence of Chicago’s institutions and its urban ornithologists. In hopes of getting this information to as many birders as possible, past the inaccessibility of statistical jargon and academic pay-walls, we offer a short summary.
The Skokie Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve is being considered as the location for stormwater storage as part of a flood-control plan developed by the Village of Winnetka. The Forest Preserves of Cook County and the Village of Winnetka have been negotiating for several years on this project, which now seems to be moving forward.
