Graphic of silhouetted birds against a starry blue background. Dim the Lights for Birds at Night, World Migratory Bird Day May 14.

Audubon was a proud sponsor of World Migratory Bird Day 2022, celebrated May 14th in the U.S. and Canada and October 8th in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

The theme for that year was “Dim the Lights for Birds at Night,” focusing on the impact of light pollution on migratory birds.

Learn more about how light pollution affects birds and what Audubon is doing about it.  

Download these fact sheets on light pollution and solutions to make buildings more bird-friendly to share with others!
¡Descargue estas hojas informativas sobre la contaminación lumínica y las soluciones para hacer que los edificios sean más amigables con las aves y compártalas con los demás!

Events

Audubon celebrated World Migratory Bird Day 2022 with a variety of events throughout the country. Click here to see a listing. We encourage you to continue the celebration year round, with festivities and events spotlighting birds, the issues they face, and actions we can take to help.

Live, In Person

Host on Owl Prowl in your local area to see these birds and other nocturnal wildlife (and/or to enjoy the night sky). If you haven’t hosted an Owl Prowl before, you can find more information on hosting one here.

Stargazing party (alone or with IDA partner) – or you might want to collaborate with a local IDA chapter or other astronomy focused organization on a joint Owl Prowl/Stargazing party. Note: in 2022 there will be a New Moon on April 30th and a Full Moon on May 15th.

Nighttime Story Time that helps teach the public about migratory birds and the night

Hosting a nighttime walk or hike to see first-hand how light pollution is affecting your area and sharing ways to help reduce the impacts.

Virtual

Host a virtual viewing of a show that gives participants a glimpse into how wildlife experiences the night. Examples include:

The Netflix show ‘Night on Earth’ shares beautiful footage on wildlife at night with narration (by Samira Wiley); one episode focuses on ‘Sleepless Cities’ including a short segment of Vaux’s Swifts in Portland, Oregon (but does not speak to the impact of ALAN on night migrating birds).

Apple TV+ features a show called ‘Earth at Night’ that currently has six episodes narrated by Tom Hiddleston. Birds are not the centerpiece of any of the episodes but the footage is very beautiful.

Host an event featuring a replay of a documentary or pre-recorded webinar on the impacts of Artificial Light at Night for your audience. For example:

Saving the Dark, a documentary on the impact of light pollution by Sriram Murali in collaboration with the International Dark-Sky Association that is available on YouTube.

Host a live virtual webinar on the impacts of Artificial Light at Night on birds and ways to protect them.

Note: NAS is planning a webinar on the impacts of light pollution (and solutions) for Tuesday May 10th at 3 pm AT/4 pm PT/5 pm MT/6 pm CT/7 pm ET featuring a panel from around Audubon. Network members are welcome/encouraged to join and share with their audiences.

Resources

Need more information on light pollution? The Migratory Bird Initiative has you covered!

Pledge for safer skies

Turn Lights Out For Migrating Birds

An estimated one billion birds are killed annually from direct collisions with illuminated buildings, towers, and other structures across the country. Take the pledge to stand with Audubon as we call on building owners, managers, and homeowners to turn off excess lighting during the months of bird migration.

Learn More About Lights Out

Bird-Friendly Communities

Existing Lights Out Programs

In 1999, Audubon and partners established the first Lights Out program in Chicago. Since then, groups in many other cities have organized programs to make a difference for birds.
From Audubon Magazine

Welcome to the Dark Side: Your Guide to Nocturnal Migration Birding

Here’s everything you need to join a growing DIY community where the action heats up when the sun goes down.

A New Golden Age of Observation Is Revealing the Wonders of Night Migration

Most migratory birds make their epic annual journeys under cover of darkness. Modern technologies are helping scientists understand the perils these nocturnal voyagers face to better protect them.
News

Turning Off Lights at Night Could Halve Bird Deaths On Chicago’s Lakeshore

An 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.
Audubon in Action

Philadelphia Darkens Its Skyline to Protect Migrating Birds

Spurred by a mass collision event, Audubon chapters and partners lead a Lights Out program during spring and fall migration.
Conservation

Night Lights May Affect Urban Birds

Birds exposed to artificial light in cities get an early start to mating season.
Science

Artificial Lighting May Shift Bird Migration by More Than a Week, New Research Says

Purple Martins exposed to bright nighttime light migrated eight days early—which could lead to starvation at their breeding grounds.
From Audubon Magazine

Scientists Want to Start Forecasting When Certain Species Are Migrating Your Way

Weather maps are essential for researchers shadowing birds on the move. Pairing radar with eBird data will take migration tracking to the next level.
Bird-Friendly Communities

National Audubon Society and International Dark-Sky Association Partner to Protect the Night Sky for Birds and People

Creating Opportunities for Collaboration

Birds That Rely On Dark Skies