The Birding Trail Guide to the Chicago Region is ready to go!

In less than 3 weeks, on Saturday June 4th at 11:00 AM at a press event at Wooded Isle in Jackson Park, Mayor Richard Daley will formally announce the guide's publication. Since the idea was presented to the Bird Treaty Committee almost 3 years ago, the Department of Environment (DOE), City of Chicago, volunteers from the Bird Conservation Network and others have worked hard to put together an outstanding mapped booklet describing the best birding sites in metropolitan Chicago. 

I strongly urge all birders to show their support for the City's commitment to birds and birding by attending. If you are a member of a bird club please circulate this widely within your organization to get the largest attendance possible.

Thanks for your cooperation.

Donnie 

Donald R. Dann

President, on behalf of the Executive Committee

Bird Conservation Network

Ph/Fax 847-266-2222

Email donniebird@yahoo.com

DOE Press Release: 

MAYOR DALEY ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF CHICAGO REGION BIRDING TRAIL GUIDE

EFFORTS CONTINUE TO MAKE CHICAGO BIRD FRIENDLY

The Chicago region's position on two major migratory routes makes the area a Mecca for birds from around the world. Recognizing this amazing local opportunity, the Chicago Region Birding Trail Guide was created to help everyone experience the region's unique natural areas. Mayor Richard M. Daley and his Department of Environment will announce the release of the Guide, which includes maps, photographs and information on over 70 premier birding sites in northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana.

A press event will take place at Wooded Island located in Jackson Park at 6401 S. Stony Island Avenue on June 4, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. The morning hours will provide an opportunity view some of the area's unique birds, of which approximately 80% are a rarity someplace else in the US. On display will be a Peregrine Falcon, Chicago's official bird, from Springbrook Nature Center.

"This Guide underscores the incredible natural resources of our region and offers an invitation to Chicagoans and visitors alike to enjoy our beautiful natural areas by going birding" comments Mayor Daley. The Chicago Region Bird Trail Guide is the latest in a series of actions the city is taking to make Chicago a bird friendly city. Other actions include the signing of the Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds in 2000, the Lights Out Chicago program to protect birds from night collisions with buildings during migration season, participation in the Birds and Buildings conference and follow-up forum, and the designation of the Calumet Area as an Important Bird Area (IBA). 

The Guide provides maps, locations, and descriptions of the sites, and will be available free of charge to all Chicago-area residents and visitors through our visitor information centers, airports, museums, park districts and other venues. Produced by the City of Chicago Department of Environment with the support of the Bird Conservation Network (BCN), additional funding was supplied by Chicago Wilderness, the Illinois Bureau of Tourism, and Lettuce Entertain You. 

The Guide is expected to increase ecotourism in the region, and to attract the fast-growing number of birders from around the country. BCN President Donnie Dann states "the region's climate and topography allow for a wide range of habitat types for a variety of birds, and the region's proximity to the southern end of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River and large amounts of protected land in public ownership allow easy access for birders."