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!
November 12, is Clean Energy Jobs Act 2020 Virtual Lobby Day. The Sierra Club is organizing communications to all state representatives to support the Clean Energy Jobs Act 2020 Virtual Lobby Day, Thursday, November 12th. Clean energy benefits birds and their habitat.
Join in lobbying efforts - from your home computer or phone.
This past week, National Audubon featured a local Indigenous Chicagoan, Bradford Kasberg, who is working to restore bird habitat in the Chicago area. It’s a fascinating story that delves into the significant role of birds in the knowledge of Indigenous people, the role of colonialism in traditional birding, and how restoration of bird habitat helps carry on the traditional stewardship of the land that was nearly erased by colonialism.
In spring and early summer 2020, Chicago Audubon Society joined with Chicago Ornithological Society, Illinois Ornithological Society and the Friends of the Chicago River to promote River Blitz Chicago!, a community science effort to document birds along Chicago’s rivers, and to substantiate the importance of river habitats to area wildlife.
This is a time when many of us are reflecting on our history of racial inequity and its impact on us and our society - as are we here at CAS. We’re offering our members and friends a new way to make a connection - in a book club focused on racial equity.
Urgent environmental threat to Chicago’s waterways - The Southside Lakefront doesn’t need a 25-foot mountain of toxic dredge.
Support the Friends of the Parks and the Sierra Club by August 17 in their efforts to stop the expansion of the Confined Disposal Facility (CDF), run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, located at the confluence of the Calumet River and Lake Michigan and situated between Calumet Park and Steelworkers Park - an important bird habitat - Contact the Mayor and other representatives today!
What if Americans could save bird habitat and help protect birds by changing the toilet paper we flush? Natural Resources Defense Council has some suggestions in its new, updated ranking of toilet papers and their impact on boreal forest sustainability.
Every summer brings birds and people together in the Cook County Forest Preserves.
One yearly challenge occurs when nesting barn swallows take up residence in forest preserve picnic shelters. Swallow nests in the upper rafters of the structures provide views of adorable baby birds but also result in swooping parent birds and many bird droppings in areas used by human visitors.
The Illinois Ornithological Society (IOS), Chicago Ornithological Society (COS) and Chicago Audubon Society (CAS) are happy to announce that the three Piping Plover chicks hatched to Monty and Rose at Montrose Beach Dunes on June 18, 2020 are 23 days old today and are considered to have fledged by the Great Lakes Piping Plover Conservation Team. They have been named Hazel, Esperanza and Nish by a selection panel representing Chicago’s diverse communities.
Last week's American Birding Association podcast, “BlackBirdersWeek and Its Impact”, with Corina Newsome and Tykee James,’ is a ‘must hear’ for every one of us who care about birds. Nate's guests talk about their own experiences as Black birders, how Black Birders Week took shape in record time, and the incredible public response.
Anyone interested may submit up to 3 proposed names via the links. The links will be open through July 8, 2020. We are asking for the names submitted to reflect Chicago's heritage, culture and diversity. The panel will select and announce the names prior to the chicks' departure on their southern journey.
Piping Plover chick photo by Tamima Itani, All Rights Reserved
At just nearly 2 weeks old, Monty & Rose’s Piping Plover chicks are growing fast and becoming more independent as they explore their new world. They skitter across the sand very quickly, still unable to fly, and still under the very protective care of their parents.
Read the latest and watch videos at ChicagoPipingPlover.org
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