Significant Decrease in Bird Collisions at McCormick Place
Bird collisions at the McCormick Place Lakeside Center have seen a remarkable decline since the installation of bird-safe film on the building’s windows last summer. According to the Field Museum, collisions into the mostly glass structure have dropped over 95% during the recent fall migration compared to previous seasons. This news marks a significant victory for birds, bird advocates, and McCormick Place, Chicago’s easternmost structure on the lakefront, located along one of the region’s busiest migratory pathways for birds.
The Peril of Glass Buildings to Migratory Birds
It’s challenging for birds to perceive a glass surface as a solid object. They rely on the moon and stars for navigation, and the bright lights from glass structures at night can disrupt their flight path, leading them to crash into the glass. During each migration, hundreds of birds have tragically collided with the building’s glass facade, resulting in fatalities.
One particularly devastating night during the 2023 fall migration saw approximately 1,000 birds flying into the lakefront building and perishing. This incident drew widespread attention and outrage, prompting the building’s owner to take swift action to prevent further bird collisions.
Implementing Bird-Safe Solutions
In response to the alarming number of bird collisions, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority swiftly took measures to mitigate the issue. They committed to closing drapes overnight to block out light sources and turned off unnecessary outside lights. Additionally, they sought a more permanent solution, leading them to discover Feather Friendly, a company specializing in bird-safe window film.
Over three months, Feather Friendly installed polka-dot film covering 6% to 8% of McCormick Place’s glass surface. This pattern serves as a visual cue to birds, indicating the presence of a solid structure and reducing the likelihood of collisions. Despite not completely eliminating strikes, the installation has significantly decreased bird collisions by 95%, offering a promising solution to the ongoing issue.
Impact and Future Initiatives
Feather Friendly’s successful intervention at McCormick Place has garnered interest from other Chicago buildings looking to adopt similar bird-safe measures. This initiative not only protects birds but also contributes to the preservation of biodiversity within ecosystems. With the potential to save countless birds over the years, the installation of bird-safe film sets an example for other glass buildings to follow suit in safeguarding avian populations.
Partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, McCormick Place continues to lead the way in bird conservation efforts. By addressing bird collisions through practical and cost-effective solutions, such as bird-safe window film, buildings can make a tangible difference in preserving bird populations and maintaining ecological balance. As Martha Williams, the service’s director, emphasizes, protecting birds is essential for the overall well-being of our environment.
