The skies above Chicago are about to become a flurry of avian activity. In a report by NBC Chicago, an estimated 54.2 million birds soared over Illinois Sunday night, with forecasts suggesting nearly 70 million took flight on Monday morning. With the changing weather, Birdcast has issued a migration alert for the region, indicating a dramatic uptick in avian traffic.
Turning all unnecessary exterior lights off is a key measure that residents and businesses can take to protect these weary winged travelers. According to WTTW News, the passage of birds is expected to peak on Thursday and Friday nights, with densities as high as 30,000 birds traversing a one-kilometer stretch. The guidance is clear: Chicagoans must dim their lights to mitigate the risks of disorientation and collision for these birds, which can be drawn off course by the allure of city lights, draining their needed energy. Unfortunately, plans have labeled Chicago as one of the most dangerous cities for our flighty friends because of these hazards.
Over 377 million birds have traversed Illinois during this fall's migration season, a testament to the importance of the Mississippi River Valley as a major flyway. The mass movement is a natural phenomenon, with species like Warbling Vireos, Eastern Wood-Pewees, and American Redstarts numbered among the most commonly sighted so far this week, as per the reports from Birdcast.
Chicago's status as a migratory hotspot comes with a responsibility to its non-human passersby. Buildings throughout the city have joined a voluntary "lights out" effort to reduce the danger to migrating birds. This action is essential because Chicago, due to its bright lights and glass facades, has received the unfortunate accolade of being particularly perilous for birds in transit. Residents finding any bird injured during this time, they can reach out to Chicago Bird Collision Monitors at 773-988-1867, or contact a local wildlife center for assistance.
