Conservation and Advocacy Projects
Our Conservation Committee addresses a variety of issues impacting birds within the city of Chicago and on public lands, including county forest preserve districts, municipal parks and natural and open spaces. The committee raises awareness of threats to birds in our community and often interfaces with City Council and leadership in other organizations to promote welfare of wild bird populations.
Young Piping Plover named Hazel; photo by Tamima Itani
Protecting Chicago’s Piping Plovers
With only 70 breeding pairs remaining in the Great Lakes region, Piping Plovers arriving at Montrose Beach in Chicago in 2019 was a thrilling surprise. The pair named Monty and Rose stole the hearts of Chicago and the world! Chicago’s birding organizations, including COS, sprinted into action and organized volunteer monitoring teams with help from Fish and Wildlife protections for the birds on one of Chicago’s busiest summer spots. COS continues to support the Plovers with annual Plover watch and with efforts to keep Montrose beach habitat clean and bird-friendly.
For more information, see the Chicago Piping Plovers website. Want to help monitor?
Contact us.
Black-Crowned Night Herons
Black-crowned Night-Herons have been an Illinois state endangered bird since 1977. Conservationists are concerned that such a large proportion of the state population in a single breeding colony at Lincoln Park could predispose the birds to further threats (e.g., an avian influenza outbreak or impacts of a storm event), as well as increase pressures on the nesting habitat (tree health) as the concentration of guano increases. COS members are active in monitoring and advocating for the birds’ protection in Lincoln Park.
See our calendar for Rookery Roost Tuesdays at Lincoln Park to help count and learn about the only remaining breeding colony in Illinois.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker killed by window collision; photo by Robyn Detterline
Advocating for Bird-Safe Buildings
The COS board and members are active in promoting the Bird-Safe Buildings Act that the Chicago City Council has passed but not yet acted on. We advocate for bird-safe design when notably dangerous projects are proposed in the Chicago-area, including the Bally’s Casino downtown, a Carvana building in Skokie and a project in Lincoln Yards. Additionally, we provide support to the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors and many of our members volunteer with that organization to rescue injured birds.
We welcome your input and ideas.
Join us in making a difference! Our bird club is committed to conservation efforts that protect and preserve avian habitats and wildlife. Whether you're passionate about habitat restoration, advocating for bird-friendly policies, or organizing community outreach events, we invite you to join our conservation committee and contribute to our ongoing projects. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the future of birds and their environments.