Turning Off Lights at Night Could Halve Bird Deaths On Chicago’s Lakeshore
NewsAn analysis of more than 11,000 birds struck dead by a single building's windows shows turning lights off during migration makes a big difference.

Making Our Built Environment Safer for Birds
Artificial lights and skyglow around buildings can be fatal to migrating birds. Some are casualties of nighttime collisions with windows and walls. Others circle in confusion until dawn, when they land and are subject to other urban threats. This issue impacts hundreds of species, including priority birds like Wood Thrush, Golden-winged Warbler, and Seaside Sparrow. By working with building owners, managers, and residents to turn off unnecessary lights, we can help minimize the impact on birds.
During daylight hours, shiny glass exteriors, internal plants near windows, glass corners, and greenery close to buildings can all be deadly as birds are unable to distinguish reflection from open flyway. Window collisions are one of the leading direct human causes of bird mortality, with a recent study estimating that up to one billion birds are killed annually in the U.S. Birds need strong clues on or around glass to warn them that it’s there.
Learn about what Audubon chapters, centers and programs across the country are doing to make buildings safer for birds, both day and night, as we consider the hazards that artificial light at night and glass pose.
Cities participating in Lights Out. Please check back for updates and notify staff if you see that updates are needed.
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