Over the next couple months, 5 million birds from over 250 different species are expected to migrate over the city, the Chicago Audubon Society said.
That’s because Chicago is a stop on the Mississippi Flyway, a migratory route stretching from South America to Canada. But not all birds make the arduous journey — some get injured or die along the way.
Chicagoans can help make these birds’ trips easier:
Turn off your lights after 11 p.m. if you live in a tall building or a short building along the lakefront since they are often along flight paths. Some birds continuously circle the buildings and die from exhaustion or collision.
Call the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors if you find a dead or injured bird at 773-988-1867.Weigh in when the Dept. of Planning and Development hosts public comment on the updated bird safety design ordinance, which they told CBS Chicago will be this year.
Want to see birds migrate this season?
Go on BirdCast to see how many birds are flying above you per night.Cook County Forest Preserve hosts bird walks in the Dan Ryan Woods, Eggers Grove, and more.
Check out unconventional birding spots … like an Orland Park Costco.
How you can Help Birds During Migration Season

Sidney Madden

Birders at Montrose Beach April 26, 2021. (Armando L. Sanchez / Tribune / Getty)
Share article

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Urban Almanac
Meet the Critters of the Chicago River
Everyone's talking about Chonkosaurus, but the river is home to a variety of turtles, fish, birds, and mammals.

How to Stay Safe From Bird Flu
A quick guide to what bird flu is, how it’s affecting Illinois, and how Chicagoans can keep themselves and their pets safe.

5 Types of Christmas Trees You Can Get in Chicagoland
Thanksgiving is late this year, so why wait until after the holiday to put up your Christmas tree?

This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You Illinois Like You’ve Never Seen It Before
Explore 10 breathtaking natural wonders in Illinois on an unforgettable road trip.

Meet Illinois’ Nocturnal Animals
Just in time for spooky season, these are the creatures that roam the night around Illinois.

Move Over, Moo Deng. Here are Chicago's Pygmy Hippos.
Their names are Banana, Pogo, and Annie, and you could visit them today at the Brookfield and Lincoln Park zoos.

Where to Peep Leaves in Illinois
October is peak fall foliage season in Illinois, which is why we're helping you plan your trips to take in all the crisp autumn colors.

The Best Chicago Birdwatching Groups
Who says you have to go birdwatching alone?

The latest in Chicago
Chicago Was — Is? — a Magic Town
The Hand & The Eye is a new venue marketing Chicago-style magic. But what is Chicago-style magic? And where can you find it around and th...
Where to Read in Chicago
It’s National Library Week through April 25 — which is coincidentally Independent Bookstore Day! There’s an official crawl across Chicago...
The End of an Era For Lincolnwood Town Center
Lincolnwood Town Center shuts down April 30 — depending who you ask. I went to the mall to check things out for myself.
Celebrate 420 at These Chicago Dispensaries
It’s been a little over 6 years since recreational marijuana was legalized in Illinois. At the time, Gov. JB Pritzker called it the “most...
Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz
How closely were you paying attention to this week's current events? Test yourself in our weekly trivia quiz.
Chicago’s Splashiest Water Activities
As we mourn the Humboldt Park swan boats, there are still plenty of Chicago water and boat activities to enjoy as the season heats up.
3 Questions With Chicago’s Poet Laureate
It’s National Poetry Month, and while you can find a variety of workshops and open mics in April, poets call Chicago home all year round.
Who’s Preserving Chicago Family History?
If you are like me, all your family history lives within multiple photo albums and VHS tapes stored in your parents’ living room cabinets.

