The annual Illinois Spring Bird Count is scheduled for May 8th, 2021. Download the report form here.
The Up & Up: Loons and Grebes
It’s springtime and that means bird migrations are upon us! Many species are returning from their wintering grounds. Given Chicago’s proximity to the fabulous Lake Michigan, we’re going to discuss waterfowl for this edition of the Up & Up – specifically loons and grebes, including where you might find them in Cook County.
Explore Birding Hotspots for New Birds
Would you like to expand your birding and explore new local natural areas? Check out Chicago Audubon’s Birding Hotspots section for a list of local birding hotspots throughout the city and nearby suburbs. We’ve compiled a list based on geographic areas of the city and suburbs, and included images, descriptions, and maps.
Shop for Native Plants and Help Birds
Help birds with beautiful native plants, and support the Chicago Audubon Society - shop our online native plant sale for a wide variety of perennials. Order online and pick up at North Park Village Nature Center on Sunday afternoon, May 23. We partner with partners with Pizzo Native Plant Nursery to provide native plants from local and regional ecotypes for sale, many of which are difficult to find in big box stores. Proceeds of the sale help to fund CAS’s successful bird conservation programs such as the push for a bird- friendly buildings ordinance.
Montrose Dune Natural Area Expansion Approved
Piping Plover Action Day 04/11/2021
In 2019, a pair of endangered Great Lakes Piping Plovers arrived at Montrose Beach and began nesting. In spite of numerous challenges and with the help of countless volunteers, the pair dubbed Monty and Rose, successfully raised a family and returned do so again in 2020. Now with spring migration is underway, we’re eagerly anticipating the return of Chicago’s famous plover pair to Montrose Beach once again to nest.
To prepare their summer home and help give this year’s chicks the best chance at survival, we’re going to do some spring cleaning. On Sunday, April 11th, join us for a beach clean up at Montrose Beach. All are welcome and no prior experience or equipment necessary but RSVP is required.
To help maintain social distancing keep group sizes small, we ask that volunteers sign up for one of four rolling time slots; 10:00am, 10:30am, 11:00am, and 11:30am. To RSVP, email ActionDays@sheddaquarium.org with your desired time and number of people attending.
This event is proudly organized by the following partners: Shedd Aquarium, Chicago Ornithological Society, Chicago Audubon Society, Illinois Ornithological Society, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, IL Department of Natural Resources, and the Chicago Park District.
Notes from a Casual Birder: On Sandhill Cranes
Racial Equity Book Club: Black Faces, White Spaces: Reimagining the Relationship of African Americans to the Great Outdoors
Upper Des Plaines River Blitz Gets Off to a Great Start
Survival of Carolina wrens
Have you seen a Carolina wren recently? Although their range has steadily expanded in the last few decades, our unpredictable weather, especially sudden cold snaps, seem to make it difficult for them to proliferate here in the Chicago area. John Elliot shares his recent observations on this chatty bird noted for its curved beak.
ACTION ALERT: Stop Dangerous Feral Cat Legislation
The Up & Up: Updates to Federal Damage to Birds and the Environment
Poet's Corner: Ornithography by Billy Collins
Birding During The Pandemic: A Purist’s Approach
With a Cook County big year in progress when Chicago’s lakefront was suddenly shut down for the pandemic, local birder Isoo O’Brien had to respond creatively. This meant getting back to basics and listening to the land. In the process, this passionate young birder found some hidden birding gems in Cook County. Read this compelling narrative and discover 2 new birding hotspots.
The Up & Up: All About Gulls
Voice Your Support for Progress on Saving the Migratory Bird Treaty Act -- and Birds!
Chasing and Misidentifying Birds - Review of Field Notes of an Unintentional Birder - A Memoir
Notes From A Casual Birder: On Pileated Woodpeckers
Follow That Bird to the 121st Christmas Bird Count
Native Plant Gardening Especially Important for Migrating Birds
It’s a good time to start dreaming - and planning - your garden. Chicago area native gardens are especially important for migrating birds because millions of birds migrate though our area every Spring and Fall - and native plants provide them with the nourishment they need to make their long journeys.