Resident urges city action on bird collisions in downtown Highland Park

Kara Goldstone, a recently arrived Highland Park resident, addressed the City Council on Sept. 25 to raise concern about bird collisions with downtown windows and to ask the city to consider policy steps to reduce bird deaths.

Goldstone said she has found five collision-killed birds over three weeks during peak migration season, including four migratory songbirds and a hummingbird, and that the incidents occurred along Central Avenue and First Street. She told the council birds often misperceive windows as open sky and "almost always result in immediate death" or injuries that are ultimately fatal.

Goldstone recommended several mitigations that range from bird-safe glass for tall buildings to lower-cost interim steps such as hanging string curtains, applying decals or film to windows, and asking businesses and residents to turn off unnecessary evening lights and close curtains during migration periods. She said she is in contact with the Lake County Audubon Society and noted the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors as an example of a local resource.

City staff pointed speakers to the city's "Preserving Our Natural Environment" web page, which includes a section on bird-friendly design and offers guidance for existing buildings.

Goldstone said the measures are "solvable" and urged the council to consider a citywide reminder campaign and to coordinate with local conservation groups.