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EcologyChicago, Illinois, United States

Chicago's Innovative Solution to Bird Fatalities at McCormick Place

A simple yet effective treatment to windows at McCormick Place conference center drastically reduces bird strikes during migration seasons.

By Catrin Einhorn and Vincent AlbanSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Chicago's Innovative Solution to Bird Fatalities at McCormick Place
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

In a city notorious for bird fatalities during migration, Chicago's McCormick Place has implemented window treatments that save countless migratory birds. This change marks a significant environmental improvement during a critical seasonal transition.

As spring migration peaks in late April, Chicago becomes a challenging environment for countless migratory birds, who are often confused by the reflections on glassy buildings. McCormick Place, a sprawling lakefront conference center, has historically been one of the most hazardous locations, resulting in nearly 1,000 bird casualties in a single day last October. In response, new protective measures have been put in place. The windows at McCormick Place have been outfitted with a distinct pattern that helps prevent bird strikes, drastically altering the risk during this migration season. The initiative is part of a broader campaign reminding citizens of Chicago's environmental challenges and serves as a beacon of hope for minimizing bird fatalities. This timely change exemplifies community actions that contribute positively to local biodiversity and conservation efforts.

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