Flip the Light Switch for Birds this Spring

GARNER, NC—Signs of spring are in the air and so are birds returning to their summer homes to begin their courting and nesting rituals. Millions of birds will be migrating at night so now is a great time to get prepared and help them travel safely. 

Birds face many risks during migration; more than one billion birds die each year from building collisions, brought about by light pollution and reflective glass, according to a recent study. Once here, they also face pressures from increased development, habitat loss, and a changing climate. 

Lights Out, NC 

BirdCast estimates that millions of birds will pass through North Carolina each night during peak migration from March through May. A majority of birds make this journey at night, but unfortunately light pollution can disorient them and cause them to fly into buildings.  

Although large buildings in metropolitan areas are a big contributor to window collisions, residential structures are a danger for birds as well. “Since there are so many more single-family homes and structures spread out across the state, they actually pose a greater threat to our migratory birds, but also the greatest opportunities for folks to make a difference for birds in their own homes,” said Executive Director Curtis Smalling. 

That’s why we're asking everyone to go lights out from 11pm to 6am from March 1 through May 30, during the peak of spring bird migration. Going lights out is a simple yet effective way everyone can help migrating birds.  

Here is what you can do to help no matter where you live or work:   

• Turn off exterior decorative lighting.
• Extinguish pot and flood-lights.
• Substitute strobe lighting wherever possible Reduce atrium lighting wherever possible.   
• Reduce interior lighting especially on higher stories.   
• Close blinds and curtains.   
• Down-shield exterior lighting to eliminate horizontal glare and all light directed upward.
• Install automatic motion sensors and controls wherever possible.   
• When converting to new lighting, assess quality and quantity of light needed, avoiding over-lighting with newer, brighter technology. 

To learn how you can get involved with an active Lights Out program, contact your local chapter and spread the word with this social media toolkit. 

Media Contact: Brittany Salmons, brittany.salmons@audubon.org