Warblers, like this palm warbler, are among the biggest group of migratory birds crossing Chicago at the moment, as spring migration nears its peak. (U.S Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Region)
Spring migration is heating up as hundreds of millions of birds are on the move nightly, with the Chicago area coming into its peak period of both flyovers and welcoming summer residents home.
BirdCast, a project of Cornell Bird Lab and Colorado State University, has issued a high alert for Chicago, recommending lights out to reduce collision risks for birds. Outdoor cats and transparent glass also are hazards.
Since city officials headed into the office at the start of this work week, we've found 80+ dead migratory birds. Here are just 2 of them: Song Sparrow and Belted Kingfisher. Both of these species breed in our area. Chicago should have welcomed them home. Instead, it killed them. pic.twitter.com/pdVUJosmQ2
— Chicago Bird Collision Monitors (@BirdMonitors) April 18, 2024
In 2023, peak migration in Chicago ran from May 2 to May 21, according to BirdCast.
To follow along, check out BirdCast’s live migration maps, as well as its nightly forecasts. Movement typically starts 30 to 45 minutes after sunset, with the greatest number of birds in flight two to three hours later.
To date, BirdCast estimates more than 16 million birds have crossed over Cook County in spring 2024; historically approximately 50 million will have crossed by the end of spring migration. Warblers are the most frequent flyers at the moment.
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
