The annual spring migration of birds continues over the United States, and Illinois is expected to see millions more flying across the state in the coming days.
According to Birdcast, an astonishing 50.2 million birds were flying over Illinois Sunday evening and Monday morning, while a variety of species continued to pass through the state on their way to their spring breeding grounds in Wisconsin and Canada.
That trend is expected to continue Monday evening, with officials issuing alerts indicating “high levels” of birds taking flight across the upper Midwest.
During spring migration, an estimated 492 million birds passed through Illinois on their way north to Wisconsin and Canada, according to Birdcast. Birds will often stop over in Illinois, especially during high winds or other severe weather.
High migration traffic is expected Monday and Wednesday evening, with birds likely remaining grounded Tuesday due to forecasts of showers and thunderstorms during their nighttime migration hours.
Baltimore Orioles continue to migrate across the state, but several new species are arriving this week, including Magnolia Warblers and American Redstarts, according to EBird.
Every year, thousands of birds are killed when they strike buildings and power lines, and experts are urging the public to take steps to protect their health.
These measures include turning off all non-essential lights between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., particularly in higher density urban areas. Bright lights can attract and disorient birds during their nighttime migration, causing fatal collisions with buildings.
Residents are also asked to let cats indoors, as the animals tend to be more active at night when hunting prey.
Birds typically migrate at night due to cooler temperatures, milder winds and fewer predators, experts say. More information on how to protect migratory birds is available on the Lights Out Chicago website.
NBC Chicago
