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!
The Bird Conservation Network (CAS is a member) has today released a comprehensive study of the population trends of the breeding birds of the Chicago Region. It contains some conclusions which may surprise you. Our region is very important for quite a few birds of conservation concern. Many are doing very well here (thanks in part to efforts of the regions public land managers), but others are declining. See all the trends and read the report at bcnbirds.org/trends21.
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.
All three proposed casino locations adjoining the Chicago River and Lake Michigan pose serious threats to migratory and resident birds. Please attend or watch the upcoming public forums to review the casino plans and locations and voice the importance of requiring bird-friendly design at such a prominent new complex for our city.
The decision on a site for Chicago’s casino is likely to happen by the end of March. A reuse of the existing McCormick Place Lakefront Center seems to be the front-runner. This would be terrible for birds! We have 40 years of proof that the bright lights of McCormick Place make it one of the most deadly buildings in the country.
If you sell your treasures on ebay you can select a Charity and donate any percentage of your sale to Chicago Audubon Society. Once the item sells, the charitable portion of your profit goes right to CAS. With Spring Migration right around the corner, it’s time to get to spring cleaning and sell that stuff for the birds!
The fall of 2020 saw the first prescribed burn of the prairie/shrubland in recent memory, knocking back some of the invasive buckthorn that had begun to creep back from previous removal efforts. Multiple acres of woodland were also cleared of buckthorn and other invasive species, some of which have now been re-seeded with native grasses, sedges, and flowers. Over 200 oak and hickory saplings were located and caged in these cleared areas, paving the way for the next generation of large trees.
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