A Chicago River Bird Migration Festival

 













by Domenico D’Alessandro

This article was published in Illinois Audubon, I am posting it as the first installation of my blog.

Each Spring my wife Susanne and I look forward to the annual migration of the Sandhill Cranes. Their flight route crosses above our home. Hundreds of them form various sized flocks that emit their unmistakable ancient cry as they fly overhead. Occasionally two or more flocks intersect, resulting in a beautiful display of swirling dances as they spiral upwards riding the thermal shafts before continuing their journey to their summer destinations. The timing is impeccable, in our area the majority of the flocks fly by at midday for a period of four to five days. Witnessing this beautiful event makes me feel part of the larger picture of life. Last year I was so excited about the phenomenon that I contacted a few friends in Chicago. None were aware of what was happening in the skies above them. However these very friends talked passionately about the movie ‘Migration’.

Upon reflection an idea came to me.  In 1993 an international migratory bird day was established for the second Saturday in May and events are planned in the Western Hemisphere for this date. People are encouraged to participate in bird friendly activities, including festivals. Most of the attention has been focused on bird habitat restoration at their breeding and wintering grounds and rightly so, but the fact remains that thousands of many species of birds are killed each migration period while negotiating the urban centers found along the flight routes; Chicago is one of them. In the last decade I have been developing concepts for urban core habitat creation which includes ways to create bird migration corridors through the city. At the Cities of the Future 2010 conference in Boston I presented one of these concepts that, in addition to providing bird habitat, will also improve urban water management. These concepts are designed to be permanent bio-installations that will take time to establish. However there is also the need to act swiftly in forging creative solutions in establishing habitats required to offset the overwhelming number of bird deaths that occur each year.

In Chicago’s urban core the river forms the prominent habitat linkage. In 2005 I designed the Chicago River Fish Hotel, a pilot project for the Friends of the Chicago River to prove that a floating wetland could survive the urban river conditions. Looking back at this project I realized that a naturalized corridor can be created not only for the fish species but also for the migrant birds. Since then I have revisited the design, noted its limitations and produced improved concepts for the whole stretch of the urban river core. The provision of food and shelter for the duration of the migratory period should be a priority undertaking. The international migratory bird day May festival could be a way to generate an action to meet this goal.

I propose a Chicago River Bird Migration Festival that focuses on bird habitat creation and improves the fish habitat component. These habitat units take the form of individual vessels moored along the river. They are self contained habitats that include water recycling features, could be moved about without disassembly and stored intact during the winter season. The vessel habitat floats would be sponsored by corporations, businesses, banks, schools, neighborhood associations, much like carnival floats, and awards could be given for the best creations. The embracing theme is of course bird and fish habitat. A regatta of these floats would be the central spectacle of the festival as it makes its way under the open bridges of the Chicago River. Local media stations could broadcast the event. Additional festive floats could be created for the sole purpose of the regatta, illustrating in creative ways the various aspects of migration. As in other parades musical ensembles could perform en route in private vessels. Tour boats could be included to host dignitaries that wish to participate. Private vessels may participate within established rules. Each habitat float would then be moored at appropriate locations along the river banks. The advantage of such a festival is the involvement of the citizenry and if done with flare may become another attraction for Chicago contributing to its tourist industry and the economic benefits thereby derived. I envision the festival becoming much like a Mardi Gras type of festivity and the addition of costumes and events could resemble the Carnival of Venice.

The Chicago artistic community would be encouraged to participate with thematic works including plays and concerts that could be displayed and performed along the river walk. Institutions such as the Field Museum could target its displays and educational program to the event. Every creative means could be applied to generate a deeper awareness of this exceptional natural occurrence. Various programmed events during the festival could be fundraisers for implementation of permanent habitat installations. As these are completed, the festival vessels would replace the habitat features with more festive representations and no longer need to be moored.

I invite all bird lovers and those passionate about making the Chicago River a true living integrated corridor help me promote this initiative. In addition, those interested in having me present my concepts for the urban core habitat creation and water management may contact me at: domenico.dalessandro@comcast.net