McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America, is largely covered with glass, making it a lethal obstacle for birds

Everywhere birds visit, they perform essential ecosystem services that have economic value and are necessary for the functioning of ecosystems. Following major wildfires like those in Canada, birds that return to burned areas can disperse seeds and aid forest landscape regeneration. Global increases in temperatures contribute to the increase in insect populations, and birds that feed on them can help curb the issues that pose a threat for humans and food systems.

Of all cities in the US, Chicago’s light pollution poses the greatest risk for migrating birds.