Detroit Bird Alliance

08/26/2026

Woah! That's a lot of birds! Do what you can to make their migration journey successful! Turn out unnecessary outside and inside lights, and ask your neighbors to do the same.

Migration numbers are picking up and we are already close to a quarter billion!

Because of untreated glass, many birds will be making extremely long journeys that become more treacherous than necessary.

It's time to step up efforts to protect these travellers:

• Treat glass with Feather Friendly visual markers or Bird Divert UV markers
• Keep lights out at night.

Learn more about the BirdCast Migration Dashboard here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/heres-how-to-use-the-new-migration-forecast-tools-from-birdcast/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_naqwwnmumz

Migration movement graphic courtesy of BirdCast: https://birdcast.info/migration-tools/migration-forecast-maps/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_v7mmmnstht

Lights Out alert graphic courtesy of Colorado State University’s AeroEco Lab: https://aeroecolab.com/uslights?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_wkfxtkmje6

08/26/2026

Thanks, for this great graphic filled with useful info! Check out the number of migrating birds that was predicted for Detroit! Our amazing location under TWO major migratory flyways gives us a responsibility to do what we can to make bird migration safer for birds!

Learn more about what you can do at Safe Light for Safe Flight link in bio or https://www.detroitbirdalliance.org/safe-light-for-safe-flight

08/25/2026

It's VOCAB TIME! This is a photo of a brood patch on a Prothonotary Warbler. A brood patches is a featherless, fluid-filled area on a bird's abdomen or breast that develops when chicks are born. A brood patch is used to transfer heat from the adult bird's body to its eggs during incubation and after the chicks are born. Not all bird species have them, but instead use different methods of keeping their young warm.

Thanks for the photo, Sydney Walsh!

08/24/2026

If you'd like to go birding this weekend, but just missed out on the Pointe Mouille walk which sold out, you're in luck! Join us Sat., Aug. 29 at 8:30 am to check out the Waterfowl and Barn Swallows at Robert H. Long Nature Park. It's remarkable how many species are there - so many people don't know which way to look! Get your tickets at events link in bio or https://www.detroitbirdalliance.org/events

08/23/2026

You'd be amazed to see how birds adapt to urban spaces at the Sat., Aug. 29 Urban Waterfowl and Barn Swallows field trip to Robert H. Long Nature Park! Join us! Tickets at events link in bio or https://www.detroitbirdalliance.org/events

Thanks for the photo, Evan Deutsch!

08/22/2026

A reminder to reduce non-essential lights around your home, and talk to your neighbors! Let them know they too can be a part of making bird migration safer!

Learn more at Safe Light for Safe Flight link in bio or https://www.detroitbirdalliance.org/safe-light-for-safe-flight

08/22/2026

The Bald Eagle was once an Endangered species due to habitat loss, pesticides (DDT), and overhunting. They are a great example of the difference people can make for birds. Today their numbers are no longer listed as Endangered. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, "The recovery of the bald eagle is one of the most well-known conservation success stories of all time."
Come to the Raptors on the River Fundraiser on Sept. 12. We might just see one of these magnificent birds hunting along the Detroit River! Get tickets at link in bio or https://www.detroitbirdalliance.org/events

Thanks for the photo Evan Deutsch!

08/21/2026

The Detroit River is a critical flyway for millions of migrating birds. Due to the location on Detroit’s east riverfront, it’s essential that the development have bird-safe elements. City of Detroit Government and Bedrock are soliciting input during the public engagement and community benefits ordinance process. The survey offers a space to include your comments. Please consider advocating for bird safety, against excessive lighting, and for more green space than is evident in the conceptual rendering. Check link in bio to take survey or https://detroit-riverfront.bedrockdetroit.com/