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.