When the temperature drops and the snow starts flying where should you head to do a little birding…or should I say brrrr-ding. Well, there are quite a few good options around Chicago.
A Bird’s-eye View of Love
When you think of romance between birds, perhaps Monty and Rose, arguably Chicago’s most famous bird couple, come to mind. This Piping Plover pair captivated Chicago from 2019 to 2021. But every year, numerous birds around the Chicagoland area signal their willingness to pair up, mate, and form a family. Ardor to a bird comes in many varieties. It can be…
Black History Month Conservation Resources
Getting Enough Calories During the Winter
With freezing temperatures, limited daylight and lengthy nights, many birds have eschewed Chicago for warmer climes. But there are still a number of hardy souls here, such as the Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, and Northern Cardinal. They have adopted diverse strategies that allow them to endure a Chicagoland winter.
Update on Rodenticide Task Force
Back to Basics – Plumage in Winter
Lately, it hasn’t always been apparent that the Chicago area is knee-deep in winter – for one thing, there’s been very little snow to be knee-deep in! However, many birds in our area provide a clue to the current astronomical season: their winter plumage. What we see in winter is non-breeding or basic plumage. Here we’ll learn about some dramatic and some subtle plumage changes in birds that we may see in Chicago this winter.
Counting the Birds from the Twelve Days of Christmas
December marks the beginning of the Christmas Bird Count, and with the holiday season in full swing, the iconic song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” has been playing relentlessly. But did you know that the birds in this classic song can essentially be found in Illinois? Learn which birds you can observe for the Christmas Bird Count that also show up in “The Twelve Days of Christmas!”
The History of Turkeys in Chicago
Did you know that Wild Turkeys, the symbol of Thanksgiving and November, have been sighted right here in Chicagoland? Learn about the history of turkeys in Chicago, from their reintroduction to save them from the brink of being wiped out to how they’ve rebounded so well that they’ve gained new, potentially uncharted, territory.
Partnering for Birds – Shrublands
The Chicago area, and in particular the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC), are fortunate to have several different types of natural habitats that birds need to thrive, including shrublands. Partnering for Birds, created by the Chicago Bird Alliance in collaboration with FPCC, uses data from the Bird Conservation Network and eBird to describe work-in-progress and birds of concern in the different habitats.
Help Prevent Another McCormick Place at the Lakefront
A Review of Joan E. Strassmann's 𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝐵𝑖𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔: 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐴𝑟𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑆𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝑛𝑗𝑜𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐵𝑖𝑟𝑑𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑂𝑤𝑛 𝐵𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑦𝑎𝑟𝑑
Blood Red Eyes and Chilling Calls: Halloween Birding
Nature is full of awe and birds are a prime example of how fascinating the fauna on earth is. Some of this wonder, however, can come with a side of apprehension. Seeing as it’s Halloween, below are seven examples of how birds can be just a bit unsettling, whether it be the way they stare with those red eyes, their means of communication, or, in the case of the Loggerhead Shrike, their predilection for impalement.
Reduce Funding for Rodenticide in '25 Chicago Budget
Indigenous Peoples' Day
Volunteer opportunity: Speak up for birds!
How did Birds react to Cicadas?
This year’s cicada season has come and gone, and during the spring and summertime, birders across Chicagoland eagerly observed their favorite birds feasting upon two broods of periodical cicadas. You submitted some fantastic photos, and it was great to see how birds were reacting to the abundance of cicadas! However, some fledglings started to lose their eyesight, possibly due to eating too many cicadas.
The Islands of Illinois
How Pet Ownership Impacts Birds in Chicago: Best Practices for Responsible Pet Owners
Chicago’s dynamic urban environment, with its mix of parks, river walks, and green spaces, supports a diverse array of bird species. From the familiar Northern Cardinal to migratory species like the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, these birds play crucial roles in our city’s ecosystem. However, the presence of pets, particularly cats and dogs, poses significant challenges to these avian populations. Understanding the impact of pet ownership and adopting responsible practices can help safeguard our feathered friends.
The Urban Birding Festival Wrap-Up
The first-ever Urban Birding Festival, which ran from September 13th – September 15th, was an immense success! The festival offered a thrilling mixture of expert presentations, guided birding trips, educational workshops, and social gatherings. It was a fantastic opportunity for experienced and novice birders to learn more about avian wildlife and connect with others passionate about birds.
