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Chicago Releases Bird Agenda

With the recent release of the new Chicago Bird Agenda, the Windy City could well be on its way to becoming the most bird-friendly metropolis in the nation.

The Bird Agenda, produced by the Chicago Department of Environment and 11 partners, describes why Chicago is so important for birds. It also offers information on how to create and improve habitat for birds in Chicago, how to reduce hazards they encounter, and how to manage nuisance species such as European starlings and house sparrows.

“Now partners need to step up and determine what can be done,” said Judy Pollock, director of bird conservation for Audubon–Chicago Region.

“This is a great model for other cities,” added Pollock, who contributed to the 14-page document, released by Mayor Richard M. Daley in October.

Chicago provides habitat for 300 bird species, some migrants, some breeders, some winter residents, and other year-round residents.

The Bird Agenda in part celebrates what so many groups along with the city have already done in recent years to help birds. For example, the seven-year-old Lights Out Program has been “a successful partnership between city, building owners, and Audubon that saves the lives of 10,000 birds each year,” said Pollock. She’s referring to the plan that enlists building owners to turn off lights during migration so that birds won’t fly into tall buildings.

A host of habitat work has also been done by the city and others, including creating four bird sanctuaries on Chicago’s lakefront.

“Now it’s time to start giving attention to the inland parks,” said Pollock. “We should look at the landscaping, and ask, is it friendly for migrants; for example, are there layers of vegetation for the different species?”

Even as the Bird Agenda was going to print, the city had started working on some of the document’s recommendations. They’ve brought glass manufactures and architects together to talk about creating more bird-friendly glass.

Education is also a part of the plan, and the Bird Agenda includes ways homeowners can help birds, including planting berry-producing shrubs as food sources.

For more information, or to obtain a copy of the Bird Agenda, call (312) 743-9283.

— Sheryl De Vore