Lights Out for Birds

Each year in the US approximately one billion birds are killed during migration, according to the Cornell Lab for Ornithology. Many die because they are attracted to lights—and collide with buildings. Others are disoriented by lights and use precious energy flying around and calling out—making them vulnerable to a variety of threats. Birds suffer these calamities in our area as well as elsewhere.

To reduce fatalities, SAS urges that nonessential lights be turned off between 11 pm and 6 am during migration. Using warm-colored, downward-facing outdoor lighting can help also protect birds. These practices can be followed with new construction, upgrading, and retrofitting.