Chicago's McCormick Place Stars in Bird-Saving Makeover

As migratory birds navigate through Chicago, a formidable threat looms from the city's glass buildings. However, a recent initiative at the McCormick Place conference center has introduced safety measures that significantly reduce bird collisions during peak migration times.

High above the bustling streets of Chicago in the early hours of late April, countless migratory birds embark on their spring journey. Yet, this journey is fraught with peril, particularly as these delicate travelers approach one of the city’s most dangerous locations for birds: McCormick Place, an imposing glass conference center along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan.

Research has shown that many birds, unfamiliar with urban landscapes, often misinterpret clear glass as open air, resulting in fatal collisions with windows. Bright city lights further disorient these flying migrants, leading them into a web of reflective structures that can be deadly. In fact, on a single day in October 2023, McCormick Place was responsible for nearly a thousand bird fatalities.

In response to this alarming situation, local volunteers prepared for migratory arrivals, equipped to rescue injured birds and document casualties. However, for the first time this season, the McCormick Place conference center boasted new protective measures designed to prevent such tragedies.

These changes are part of a broader initiative, “50 States, 50 Fixes,” which highlights local solutions to pressing environmental challenges. The introduction of innovative window patterns at McCormick Place aims to reduce bird strikes significantly, enhancing safety for these migratory species and demonstrating a commitment to coexistence within urban ecosystems.

As Chicagoans engage in protecting their feathered friends, the hope is that this vital change at McCormick Place can inspire other cities to adopt similar strategies, helping safeguard migratory birds for generations to come.