Habitat should be preserved,
Jackson Park, on the South Side of Chicago, is an important stopping point for migratory birds. Its size (over 500 acres), habitat and location along the western shore of Lake Michigan make it possible to view over 250 species of birds through the seasons.
But the existing habitat faces an uncertain future. The Obama Presidential Center will soon be built on the western edge of the Park, there are plans to remove large numbers of trees from the Park to upgrade its golf course, merge it with the nearby South Shore Golf Course, and to expand the driving range west of Bobolink Meadow. The importance of Jackson Park's habitat must be taken into account as these projects are planned, especially given global threats to migratory bird populations. The figure above highlights steps that can be taken. (Or download it here.)
These steps include:
But the existing habitat faces an uncertain future. The Obama Presidential Center will soon be built on the western edge of the Park, there are plans to remove large numbers of trees from the Park to upgrade its golf course, merge it with the nearby South Shore Golf Course, and to expand the driving range west of Bobolink Meadow. The importance of Jackson Park's habitat must be taken into account as these projects are planned, especially given global threats to migratory bird populations. The figure above highlights steps that can be taken. (Or download it here.)
These steps include:
- Increasing habitat wherever possible. If existing natural areas must be destroyed to accommodate new uses of the park, equivalent or better new habitat should be created within the park.
- Recognizing that all new lawns and plantings planned for the Park can be useful habitat, if the correct choices are made.
- Maintaining Wooded Island as a secluded nature sanctuary, without any new man-made structures.
- Moving the driving range to south of 63rd Street, enabling the expansion of Bobolink Meadow to the east.
- Recognizing that Audubon International, an industry organization set up to greenwash golf courses, has no affiliation with the better known National Audubon Society.
- Allowing off-trail dead trees to remain as habitat for cavity-nesting birds.
- Keeping boats off the East and West Lagoons. Boating will disturb wildlife, and will damage the aquatic plantings put in as part of the the Army Corps of Engineers recent restoration project. (See maps of preferred plant communities.)
- Ensuring that any new buildings in or near the Park incorporate the most up-to-date methods for reducing bird collisions.
- Improving visitors' awareness of the park's flora and fauna through interpretive signage, viewing platforms with public telescopes, and programs for local youth and adults.
Common Yellowthroat
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Download the Chicago Audubon Society's Jackson Park Bird Checklist and brochure giving an overview of birding in the park.
See recent bird sightings in or near Jackson Park. All the photos on this site were taken in Jackson Park. To see the birds yourself, come visit any time of year and join a free Chicago Audubon Society Saturday morning Wooded Island Bird Walk (listed under "Upcoming" on the left hand side of the Audubon Society page). See reports from past walks. |
Indigo Bunting
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