About the Nonprofit
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The mission of Chicago Bird Collision Monitors (CBCM) is to protect migratory birds through rescue, education, and outreach. CBCM also advocates for bird-safe building design and lighting.
CBCM is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) not for profit organization that for more than 20 years has been committed to protecting migratory birds through bird rescue, advocacy and education. Each spring and fall, millions of migratory birds embark on incredible journeys, traveling hundreds or thousands of miles. Unfortunately, the confusing lights and glass designs of many structures in Chicago cause thousands of birds flying through our region to collide with buildings. CBCM volunteers spend the early morning hours of each day during migration rescuing the injured collision victims and recovering and documenting the fatalities. Along with those hurt by window strikes, CBCM rescues hundreds of birds harmed by poisoning, entanglement and other urban hazards.
Through outreach and education, the Chicagoland community has become involved in the mission of CBCM. In 2024, we received more hotline calls for bird rescue from the public than we ever have, and community members and organizations worked closely with CBCM to advocate for and implement bird safe measures that saved countless bird lives. CBCM's impact on the community is two-fold: (1) Conserving migratory birds is crucial to the community because of the vital role these birds play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem-CBCM saves thousands of birds every year, through rescue and education on measures the community can take to prevent collisions and other urban threats to birds, thus actively working to mitigate the decline in bird populations , and (2) engaging the community in conservation efforts helps build more cohesive communities and creates a sense of ownership and empowerment over important issues, such as conservation.
With migratory bird populations in decline, CBCM’s work and has become even more critical. The funds raised at the Event will directly contribute to a safer environment for migratory birds.
