Advocacy Issues

The Chicagoland Area is a Critical Stronghold for Birds

We're Fighting National Declines with Research, Management, and Advocacy

Through countless collaborative efforts and initiatives, birding organizations, audubon societies, nonprofits, conservation groups, forest preserve districts, park districts, cities, local and state municipalities, corporations, and politicians are joining the cause to protect and support Chicagoland's birds.

Learn More About Some of Our Key Advocacy Issues for Birds Below

Birds and Wind Turbines

Advocating for Safe Placement and Bird-Safe Design

BCN Information Paper

Our information paper on "Minimizing the Impact of Wind Turbines on Lake Michigan's Wildlife." is currently being updated with the latest information and will be posted by April 2023.

Additional Resources

American Bird Conservancy - Wind Energy and Birds

Flock of birds by wind turbines

Keeping Cats Indoors

Advocating for Keeping Cats Indoors and Opposing TNR

Cat pawing at a window with a pigeon outside

BCN Position Paper

Download our "BCN Position Paper on Free-Roaming Cats"

Download Paper

Resources

American Bird Conservancy - Cats Indoors

Lights Out Chicago

Advocating for Reduced Lighting, Especially During Migration

National Program

Learn more about Audubon's national Lights Out program "providing safe passage for nocturnal migrants."

Visit Site

Local Resources

City of Chicago - Lights Out Chicago

Chicago Bird Alliance - Lights Out Chicago

Chicago Bird Collision Monitors - Lights Out Chicago

Satellite view of Chicagoland lights at night

Birds and Window Collisions

Advocating for Bird-Friendly Window and Building Design

Building Windows

Chicago Bird Collision Monitors

CBCM is an organization that works in the Chicago area to rescue migratory birds injured from striking buildings, and to mitigate the risk of bird-building collisions by educating the public and working with building managers to find solutions.

Visit Site

Additional Resources

American Bird Conservancy - Glass Collisions

How to File a Witness Slip

For Bills Being Considered in the Illinois House or Senate

This instructional document outlines the steps that an individual can take to file a Record of Appearance and state your position on a bill being considered in the Illinois House or Senate.

Download Instructions (.PDF)

Sign Up For BCN Advocacy Alerts

Stay Informed About Issues that Impact Chicagoland Birds

There's strength in numbers, and together we can help Chicagoland Birds get the priority and attention that they deserve. Sign up for our advocacy alert emails and/or newsletter to stay informed about advocacy issues that you can support.

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Orchard Oriole

Make a Direct Impact For Chicagoland Birds

We're a regional a regional 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused exclusively on protecting birds and their habitats. Your donation helps fund BCN and support projects like breeding bird trends analyses, the BCN Survey, the Birds of Concern, and research and collaboration with land managers.

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