Collision deterrents work. The data supports that: after around 1,000 birds hit McCormick Place one night in 2023, management invested in a bird-friendly collision deterrent. Bird collisions at McCormick Place have since fallen by over 90%.
But there is more to do. For years, Bird Friendly Chicago has fought for a mandatory bird-friendly building design ordinance. There is some support for it; currently the ordinance is co-sponsored by Alders Maria Hadden, Brian Hopkins, Ruth Cruz, Daniel La Spata, Byron Sigcho-Lopez, and Timmy Knudsen. However, we need more Council members to support the ordinance.
For anyone living or working in Chicago tired of reading about collisions and seeing fatalities prone on the sidewalk, please visit the Chicago Collisions Coalition website to learn more about what you can do now.
In summary, fill out this form to request your alderperson co-sponsor the bird-friendly building ordinance. Be sure to include why this issue personally matters to you to make your message especially impactful.
If you would like to advocate in person, Bird Friendly Chicago can guide you on how to have a successful meeting with your alderperson. Fill out this form, and if your alderperson has not committed to voting yes on the ordinance, Bird Friendly Chicago will reach out.
The city has a real opportunity to be a national leader for bird conservation by passing this ordinance – let’s make it happen!
Chicago Collisions Coalition is a group of organizations that supports Bird Friendly Chicago’s efforts to see a mandatory bird-friendly building design ordinance get adopted in the city. The Coalition is composed of the following organizations:
If you are part of an organization that would like to join the Chicago Collisions Coalition, please contact us.