Sandhill Cranes: Diane Taylor, Audubon Photography Awards
Chicago Bird Alliance connects people with birds and nature through educational programming, field trips, advocacy, stewardship and research.
We are a membership organization - a chapter of the National Audubon Society that covers Chicago, and Cook County suburbs except for northwest and far south. Formerly called the Chicago Audubon Society, we adopted a new name in 2023. We support organizations that share our vision: Chicago Piping Plovers and Bird Friendly Chicago. We work with partners that share our vision: Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, Chicago Ornithological Society, Openlands’ Birds in My Neighborhood, Chicago Park District, Cook County Forest Preserves, Friends of the Chicago River, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and others.
Our members enjoy observing, studying, conserving and advocating for local native birds and other wildlife. All are welcome to join.
From Our Blog
The Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) failed to make bird protection mandatory in its recent draft of its 2024 Sustainable Development Policy (SDP). Bird Friendly Chicago, its partners, and its supporters asked the city of Chicago to make bird protection mandatory in this update, a measure that would be critical in preventing bird mortality. Unfortunately the DPD failed to do so, even in the face of overwhelming public support for this measure.
Some of the city’s prime bird habitat is along the lakefront. Chicago Bird Alliance is collecting ideas about how to improve the area for birds and how to minimize disruptions to bird habitat. We will deliver these ideas to the US Fish and Wildlife Service. We’d like your feedback.
As an inclusive birding community that supports social and environmental justice, the Chicago chapter of the Feminist Bird Club organizes several different types of events with the hope of creating birding opportunities for individuals who may have not felt comfortable with other groups or in other settings.
Every year, hundreds of bird species visit Chicago during Spring Migration, bringing new colorful life to the city after months of gray and snow. It is for that reason we want you to give us your best depiction of your favorite bird coming back for Spring Migration. Whether you rely on watercolor and crayons or digital rendering software, we want you to show us the beauty of these birds through your eyes. All artistic levels are welcomed!
Learn about the difficulties associated with telling apart Rusty and Brewer’s Blackbirds and gain a new appreciation for these birds. Coming to a lawn near you this spring!
Happy April Fool’s Day! Humans are not the only species that plays tricks – here are five birds you can see around Chicago that have honed their ability to fool their intended audience, or even you if you’re not paying close enough attention!
Brown Thrasher, Audubon Photography Awards/Peter Waksmundzki
Upcoming Events
Weekly, every Saturday, year ‘round, weather permitting. Bring binoculars, field guides, and dress for the weather. The Walks are free and open to one and all.. Newcomers are warmly welcomed.
Spring migration is upon us, and so are these much-loved outings at North Park Village Nature Center! Join us as we travel through this beautiful preserve, which encompasses 46 acres of gorgeous trails winding through woodland, wetland, prairie, and savanna habitats. The route is approximately one mile long and takes about two hours to traverse.
This is the first of a series of bird outings we will be leading at lesser birded sites with the Forest Preserves of Cook County during each season.
Miller Meadow’s location along the Des Plaines River and mix of habitats make it a prime location to look for migrating birds! Join walk leader John Elliott as you walk south through the area looking for early migrants utilizing the fields and forested areas of the site.
Photo: American Goldfinch, Audubon/Hazel Erikson