McCormick Place in Chicago Found a Way to Reduce Bird Deaths
The New York TimesWednesday, May 21, 2025 at 12:00:11 AM
** McCormick Place in Chicago, a massive glass-walled conference center by the lake, used to be a deadly trap for migrating birds—especially small songbirds like the common yellowthroat that often crashed into its reflective surfaces. But now, the venue has implemented changes (likely involving bird-friendly glass or lighting adjustments) that are successfully reducing these fatal collisions. One stunned bird found on-site was even able to recover and fly away—a small but hopeful sign of progress.
What This Means: ** Cities are often hostile to wildlife, and Chicago’s skyline has been particularly dangerous for birds navigating migration routes. McCormick Place’s fixes show that simple design tweaks can make a big difference—and if a giant, glass-heavy building can adapt, others can too. It’s a win for both conservationists and city planners trying to balance urban growth with ecological responsibility.
— Curated via WP Now’s AI editorial system
