Chicago Birds to Watch During Migration and Beyond

With the Urban Birding Fest this weekend and birds starting to migrate, we’re reminding local birders about some of the creatures you can find in the Chicago area at different points in the year.

Piping Plovers

Piping plovers, shorebirds that match the sandy beaches they inhabit, are endangered in the Great Lakes region. That’s why it was such a big deal when Monty and Rose landed at Montrose Beach five years ago — and why you might see Chicagoans rocking some piping plover merch. Their grandchild Nagamo hung out at the North Side beach this summer.

Crows

As spooky season creeps in, beware of crows! The omnivores that thrive in cities are smart and hold grudges. So if you want to avoid being attacked, feed them nuts and dry pet food. Bonus: They might just start bringing you gifts 🎁

Red-Winged Blackbirds

Another bird that might attack you? The red-winged blackbird. Luckily nesting season has passed. But watch out for male birds along the lakefront next summer: They are extremely protective of their nests.

Pigeons

The bird gets a bad rap as the “rat of the sky,” but is extremely intelligent and was once used to deliver messages. Thanks to the Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue, some bird lovers are fostering pigeons in their homes.