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Chicago Bird Alliance

Volunteer
Native Plant Sale
Bird Seed Sale
CBA Store
Become a Member
Renew
Gift Membership
Manage your Membership
Chicago Area Birding Hotspots
Getting Started
Bird Identification Tips
Local Bird Guide
Past Presentations
Bird Outing Reports
Montrose Piping Plovers
Act Now
Issues & Positions
Publications & Research
Habitat Restoration
A Year of Helping Birds
Lights Out Chicago
Native Plant Gardening for Birds
Our Mission and Vision
Our Board
Our History
Volunteer Appreciation
Donor Recognition
Partnerships
Speakers Bureau
DEIJ Statement
Environmental Awards
Contact Us
Upcoming Events
CBA Blog
In The News
Volunteer Events
Birding Gear Program
Spring Bird Count
Bird Outing Leader Training
The Urban Birding Festival
Donate
February 12, 2025
Judy Cheske
Black History Month Conservation Resources

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.

Black History Month Conservation Resources
February 15, 2024
General Interest, Upcoming Events
Matthew Igleski
2024 Chicago Bird Photography Contest

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!

2024 Chicago Bird Photography Contest
November 19, 2023
General Interest, Birding
Judy Cheske
Respecting Owls: Ethical Owl Viewing and ...

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.

Respecting Owls: Ethical Owl Viewing and Photography
November 22, 2022
Ann Hetzel Gunkel
2022 Gift Guide for the Birds

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!

2022 Gift Guide for the Birds
June 30, 2022
Ann Hetzel Gunkel
Chicago Audubon Society : Statement on ...

In 2022, the Chicago Audubon Society developed and approved a Statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice. The details and action plan are found here.

Chicago Audubon Society : Statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
Ann Hetzel Gunkel
February 17, 2022
Bird Report

Chicago Bird Report - February: White Throated Sparrows

Ann Hetzel Gunkel
February 17, 2022
Bird Report
Chicago Bird Report - February:  White Throated Sparrows

In February, the Chicago Bird Report searches for White Crowned Sparrows in Chicago.

Host Sujud Ottman presents the video by Woody Goss.

Judy Pollock
February 13, 2022

Owl Ethics

Judy Pollock
February 13, 2022
Owl Ethics

CAS has compiled a code of ethics for owl observation. This list is based on years of field observations and scientific research and, while not exhaustive, contains the most impactful ways that everyone can help keep owls safe.

Tagged: owl

Judy Pollock
February 3, 2022

Feb 7

Judy Pollock
February 3, 2022
Feb 7

An important meeting Monday February 7 will determine the fate of Harms Woods’ birds. We offer six ways you can make a difference.

Michael Rasmussen
January 31, 2022

Should the Forest Preserves Take a Village's Floodwater?

Michael Rasmussen
January 31, 2022
Should the Forest Preserves Take a Village's Floodwater?

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.

Ann Hetzel Gunkel
January 28, 2022
Birding, General Interest

CAS adopts Owl Friendly Photo Policies on Facebook

Ann Hetzel Gunkel
January 28, 2022
Birding, General Interest
CAS adopts Owl Friendly Photo Policies on Facebook

Let's all work together to make Chicago an "Owl Friendly" city.

The CAS Board has decided to ban all Owl Photos in its Facebook Group as of February 1, 2022.

Tagged: owl, photos

Ann Hetzel Gunkel
January 14, 2022
Bird Report

Chicago Bird Report - January Snowy Owls

Ann Hetzel Gunkel
January 14, 2022
Bird Report
Chicago Bird Report - January Snowy Owls

In January, the Chicago Bird Report searches for Snowy Owls in Chicago! The Report also discusses snowy owl sighting etiquette and what to know to keep our snowy visitors safe.

Host Sujud Ottman presents the video by Woody Goss.

Judy Pollock
January 5, 2022

Cultural Sensitivity Reviewer

Judy Pollock
January 5, 2022
Cultural Sensitivity Reviewer

Seeking Cultural Sensitivity Reviewers to provide feedback on certain of our written materials. Paid consultant work.

Judy Pollock
December 31, 2021

Looking Back on 2021

Judy Pollock
December 31, 2021
Looking Back on 2021

The biggest 2021 highlight is all the great support from and relationships with our members and supporters. You come out for our habitat restoration, bird monitoring and field trips: create, share and engage with our communications: respond to our calls for action and let us know about important issues.

Judy Pollock
December 13, 2021

New Editor Joins the Flock

Judy Pollock
December 13, 2021
New Editor Joins the Flock

A philosophy professor by profession, Ann is grateful to pursue her passion for birds, conservation and the environment by serving as Editor and Communications Chair for the CAS.

Tagged: editor, writer, Ann Hetzel Gunkel, Judy Cheske

Michael Rasmussen
December 10, 2021

The Chicago River Story Map

Michael Rasmussen
December 10, 2021
The Chicago River Story Map

Michael Rassmussen describes the incredible new Story Map of the Chicago River developed by the Friends of the Chicago River.

Tagged: Chicago River, Friends of the Chicago River, Michael Rasmussen

Judy Pollock
December 5, 2021

Act Now! Proposed Carvana Tower in Skokie poses threat to resident and migratory birds

Judy Pollock
December 5, 2021
Act Now! Proposed Carvana Tower in Skokie poses threat to resident and migratory birds

The village of Skokie will be voting in early December on whether to approve the construction of a 13-story Carvana Car Vending Tower on a property directly across from Harms Woods Forest Preserve!

Judy Pollock
December 1, 2021

Strengthen the Migratory Bird Treaty Act - comment by December 3

Judy Pollock
December 1, 2021
Strengthen the Migratory Bird Treaty Act - comment by December 3

The Biden Administration plans to restore the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) but we can help ensure the Act goes even further to protect birds. Comment at the link by December 3rd.

John Elliott
November 29, 2021

Speaking of Nature: Big Bird Numbers, Christmas Bird Count

John Elliott
November 29, 2021
Speaking of Nature: Big Bird Numbers, Christmas Bird Count

CAS Board member John Elliott discusses Big Numbers in Chicagoland birding during Fall 2021 and discusses the Christmas Bird Count.

Tagged: John Elliot

Ann Hetzel Gunkel
November 25, 2021

2021 Gift Guide for the Birds

Ann Hetzel Gunkel
November 25, 2021
2021 Gift Guide for the Birds

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 2021 gifting thoughtful, fun and bird friendly!

Tagged: Ann Hetzel Gunkel

Judy Pollock
November 24, 2021

Chicago's BIPOC Birders Featured in Podcast

Judy Pollock
November 24, 2021
Chicago's BIPOC Birders Featured in Podcast

Here are two podcast episodes full of the current enthusiasm and excitement among BIPOC birders, and the importance of BIPOC-only spaces in birding. Chicago birders and places figure prominently.

Ann Hetzel Gunkel
November 19, 2021
Bird Report

Chicago Bird Report - October

Ann Hetzel Gunkel
November 19, 2021
Bird Report
Chicago Bird Report - October

In October, the Chicago Bird Report found Horned Larks, Snow Buntings, Snow Goose, American Pipit, and Lapland Longspur at Oakwood Beach on Chicago’s south side!

Host Sujud Ottman talks to local birder Joy Wang.

Judy Pollock
November 1, 2021

Big Marsh Revival

Judy Pollock
November 1, 2021
Big Marsh Revival

The dedication of the Ford Calumet Environmental Center at Big Marsh was a happy day for so many reasons. Photo from Chicago Parks Instagram.

Miyako Pleines
October 25, 2021

Notes From a Casual Birder: On Turkey Vultures

Miyako Pleines
October 25, 2021
Notes From a Casual Birder: On Turkey Vultures

Turkey vultures are large birds that evoke strong emotions - fear and wonder - as they soar high in the sky. Miyako Pleines discusses vultures value in our ecosystem, and why they unsettle us, in this fascinating essay with original artwork from L. Hisako Nakashima.

Judy Pollock
October 21, 2021

Join our Flock - Communications Volunteers Needed

Judy Pollock
October 21, 2021
Join our Flock - Communications Volunteers Needed

Did you know you can help birds and conservation with your communication or computer skills? Join our team and find out! Chicago Audubon has a fun and creative communication team, but with some team members moving on, we are looking for two more volunteers to help us spread our news, events and other communications. We are a diverse and a welcoming group.

Judy Cheske
October 15, 2021
Bird Report

Chicago Bird Report - September

Judy Cheske
October 15, 2021
Bird Report
Chicago Bird Report - September

In September, the Chicago Bird Report found a Hudsonian Godwit at Big Marsh Park, on Chicago’s south side!

Host Sujud Ottmen talks to local birders about this rare and beautiful shore bird, and the habitat required to support more diverse birds.

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