Many species of birds have undertaken long migratory journeys for thousands of years. Pollution from intense, 24 hour long lighting in cities around the country, large and small, has had a significant negative impact on the the seasonal migration of birds.  If you live in or near a city, or in a densely populated suburban area, you know well that the beauty of nighttime skies are often obscured, dimmed and in many cases, invisible, unlike what you see in national parks for example. The intensity and ubiquity of artificial light can cause significant health problems for humans as well. But for birds, navigating by the stars is critical, and tall buildings replete with dense arrays of windows cause them to lose their course, crash and either die or be rendered disabled. Cities are building more and taller buildings, compounding the risks for migratory birds. Groups around the country are working to protect migratory birds from yet another environmental disaster, that includes habitat destruction, air and water pollution, and diminishing natural sources of food.

Via Audubon – Lights Out Program: “Every year, billions of birds migrate north in the spring and south in the fall. Most fly at night. As they pass over big cities on their way, they can become disoriented by bright lights, especially those on buildings and other structures that reach high into the sky directly in their path. Millions die. Some are casualties of nighttime collisions with windows. Others circle in confusion until they become exhausted; when they land they fall prey to other urban threats. Dozens of species are affected, including such priority species—those we’ve identified as most in need of and most likely to benefit from our help—as the Allen’s Hummingbird, Varied Thrush, Golden-winged Warbler, and Seaside Sparrow. Lights Out is a national effort to reduce this problem. The strategy is simple: By convincing building owners and managers to turn off excess lighting during the months migrating birds are flying overhead, we help to provide them safe passage between their nesting and wintering grounds. For a list of existing Lights Out programs around the country, click here.”

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