In brief
After years of high bird fatalities at the McCormick Place conference center, protective window treatments have made a significant difference.
In Chicago, the spring migration season is a critical time for birds, but the city is notorious for its dangers. High-rise buildings along the lakefront create deadly traps for these migratory birds, who fail to recognize glass as a barrier. In recent years, the McCormick Place conference center stood out as a severe hazard, with reports of nearly a thousand bird fatalities occurring in one day. However, hope is in sight! Following efforts to protect these animals, new window patterns have been introduced to lessen these deadly impacts. Volunteers were mobilized to monitor bird flights, ready to rescue injured birds and document the casualties. Thanks to the updated design, the center is now set up to save lives instead of take them, showing how a simple change can make a world of difference.
