Did you know that turning out the lights can do a lot of good for birds? During spring and fall bird migration, billions of birds fly thousands of miles to reach their destination. This is one of the hardest times in a bird’s life, and light pollution makes it even more difficult to make it to their destination safely.
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On our mission to grow better for people, pets, and the planet, we are proud to support healthy bird populations and continue working to build better bird communities.
Most birds migrate at night
Birds have an amazing built-in GPS system. In fact, it's so amazing that scientists don’t even fully understand it. What we do know is that during migration, birds primarily fly in the greatest numbers and the longest distances at night. Artificial light and skyglow cause a number of issues including:
- Fatal collisions with windows and walls
- Displacement, which leads to less successful breeding, smaller egg clutches, and lower bird populations
- Lights also cause birds to circle areas, and become confused and exhausted
How can Lights Out help?
Lights Out is a nationally organized effort by the National Audubon Society to minimize light pollution for birds during heavy migration seasons. The program works by organizing support from building owners, municipalities, and residents to minimize artificial light and skyglow at night during active migration.
How you can get involved
As big of an issue as lights are, it’s also one that humans have the power to control. Collectively, we can make a serious difference for birds during migration by simply turning our lights off. When you turn the lights off before midnight, you instantly help migratory birds overhead navigate to their intended destinations.
Being a bird advocate is simple. Here's an easy step-by-step guide to get involved!
Sign up for the Lights Out program in your city
If there isn't a program in your area, you can pledge the biggest city near you.
Turn off your lights before 12 a.m.
This includes exterior lighting like floodlights and spotlights, as well as interior lights — especially those on upper floors.
Spread the word
Contact your local elected officials or building manager to request them to turn off building lights and unnecessary skyglow in your community. Here's an easy email template to help you send them a message.
Recruit friends and family
Supporting birds begins at home. You can support feathered friends by sharing the Lights Out pledge with loved ones. If you want to take it a step further, check out these tips to help you build a more bird-friendly backyard that supports bird migration.
Sunday Tip:
Taking the Lights Out pledge also saves energy costs and helps lower carbon footprints.
Cited Sources
Audubon's Lights Out Program. National Audubon Society.
Bird-friendly Buildings Factsheet. National Audubon Society.
The Basics of Bird Migration: How, Why, and Where. Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
