Chicago Bird Alliance

An eastern meadowlark, recently killed in a collision with a Chicago building. (Courtesy of Chicago Bird Collision Monitors)

Advocates Say Chicago’s New Sustainable Development Guidelines Fail to Protect Birds: ‘That’s Shameful’

Apr 17, 2024 | Patty Wetli

Spring migration is still weeks away from reaching its peak in Chicago and already the tiny body bags are piling up, filled with birds killed in collisions with the city’s glass buildings.

Some of the birds gathered by the Field Museum that were killed in October 2023 after colliding with McCormick Place Lakeside Center. (Courtesy of Taylor Hains)

Advocates Cry Foul Over Forthcoming Policy to Make Chicago’s Buildings Safe for Birds, Call Lack of Mandatory Requirements ‘Enraging’

Mar 27, 2024 | Patty Wetli

In mid-April, the Chicago Department of Planning and Development is set to release an update to the city’s sustainable development policy. No section of the policy will make bird-friendly design mandatory.

McCormick Place Lakeside Center's walls of glass and location on the lakefront are a deadly combination for birds. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News)

McCormick Place Says It Will Do Better by Birds After 1,000 Killed in Mass Casualty Event. Conservationists Want Proof

Oct 30, 2023 | Patty Wetli

Monday’s meeting of the McPier board was dominated by discussion of the mass death of 1,000 birds in a single day, killed after colliding with McCormick Place. Bird conservationists want a solution in place by spring migration.

In Move Away From Namesake’s History, Chicago Audubon Society Announces New Name: Chicago Bird Alliance

Oct 20, 2023 | Patty Wetli

The Chicago organization is joined by chapters in Detroit and Wisconsin in dropping “Audubon” and adopting the more inclusive, collaborative “Alliance.”