Volunteers with the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors reported finding multiple dead ducks and fish in DuSable Harbor on August 19, 2026, and asked state wildlife officials to open an investigation. The discovery was made at the public harbor on Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago, a site where the volunteer group regularly watches for bird collisions.
Illinois state wildlife officials responded to the request for an inquiry, acknowledging the reports and indicating that they would assess the situation. The officials have not yet released details about the cause of the animal deaths, but their involvement suggests a coordinated effort to determine whether environmental factors, pollution, or other issues may be responsible.
DuSable Harbor serves both recreational and ecological functions, providing access to Lake Michigan and acting as a monitoring point for avian activity. The Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, a volunteer organization, track bird strikes and related wildlife incidents in the area. Their observation of dead waterfowl and fish adds a new dimension to the monitoring work, prompting concerns about the health of the harbor’s ecosystem.
The volunteers’ call for an investigation reflects the ongoing partnership between citizen groups and state agencies in managing Chicago’s natural resources. While the investigation is still in its early stages, officials plan to collect samples, examine water quality, and review recent environmental conditions to identify any factors contributing to the mortality event.
Residents and visitors to DuSable Harbor are being kept informed of the investigation’s progress. The collaboration between the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors and Illinois wildlife authorities underscores the importance of community involvement in detecting and responding to wildlife health issues in the city’s waterways.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation proceeds, and any findings will be shared with the public to inform future conservation and safety measures at the harbor.