Quck answer
Audubon’s ‘Lights Out’ program is a conservation initiative aimed at reducing the number of bird deaths caused by collisions with illuminated buildings during migration season. The program encourages cities and businesses to turn off non-essential lights during migration periods, which can save the lives of countless birds. The initiative has been successful in several cities across the United States, and has raised awareness about the impact of artificial light on bird populations.
Wild Animals
Each year, buildings and windows in the United States are responsible for killing approximately one billion birds due to the artificial lights that disorient them and cause them to collide. To address this issue, the National Audubon Society and its partners launched the Lights Out program in Chicago in 1999, encouraging building owners and managers to turn off unnecessary lights during bird migration seasons. Today, over 40 cities, states, and regions participate in Lights Out initiatives, such as Lights Out Colorado, Lights Out Georgia, and Lights Out Heartland.
In 2021, Philadelphia joined 47 other cities with Lights Out programs, including New York, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. Most Lights Out programs, including Lights Out Philly, will begin again from August 15 to November 15, 2022, to align with birds’ natural fall migration.
Why Are Lights a Threat to Birds?
After feral cats, buildings and windows are the second-biggest threat to American birds, particularly during migration seasons when they fly between breeding and wintering habitats. Attracted by bright, artificial lights at night, birds often fly into buildings and glass windows and either die from the impact or become disoriented, interfering with their normal daytime rest and refueling cycles.
The Lights Out program mitigates this problem by requesting building owners and managers to turn off lights during the migration season from midnight to 6 a.m. each morning. To make buildings bird-friendly, Audubon recommends turning off exterior decorative lighting, extinguishing spot and floodlights, and reducing lobby and atrium lighting wherever possible. Other recommendations include installing motion sensors and automatic controls, down-shielding exterior lighting to eliminate upward and horizontal glare, and substituting task and area lighting for workers who stay late or pulling window coverings.
Lights Out Philly
Philadelphia is located along a migration corridor for birds, and tens of millions of birds pass through the city every year during migration. Bird Safe Philly, a coalition of non-profit organizations, joined forces with the City of Philadelphia and its building industry to address the issue of bird fatalities during migration.
Philadelphia joined the Lights Out program in 2021 and began its first migration season on April 1, the peak of spring migration. It ran through May 31 and again from August 15 to November 15, when birds travel south. During that time, 41 commercial, 53 residential, and six municipal participants pledged to turn off their lights to help birds during migration.
The team is currently reviewing and analyzing data collected during the initiative and will release results at a later date. Chicago, the first Lights Out city in the United States, has reported saving 10,000 birds annually since the program’s inception.
Lights Out Philly is a collaborative effort led by the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club, Audubon Mid-Atlantic, and two local Audubon Society chapters.
Jason Weckstein, the ornithology curator at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, who is actively involved in the Lights Out Philly program, stated in 2021, “You get a group of people together with a common goal, and you make something happen.”
What Can You Do to Help?
Even if your city isn’t part of a Lights Out program, you can still contribute by taking simple steps to prevent light pollution from harming migrating birds in your area:
- Turn off outdoor spotlights and decorative lighting.
- Turn off interior lights when leaving a room or close the blinds.
- Use down-shielded lighting for outdoor use.
- Add timers and/or motion sensors to outdoor lighting, if possible.
The National Audubon Society also recommends that residents of major cities encourage building owners, managers, and homeowners to turn off outdoor lighting when birds are migrating.
Although birds face numerous challenges, such as climate change, feral cats, and habitat destruction, Weckstein is optimistic that we can find ways to assist them. “We’ve made significant strides in the past to resolve our problems,” he says. “The key is to invest in these solutions and work to remedy the issues we’ve created.”
Now That’s Messed Up
Scientists have discovered that light pollution causes birds to begin nesting earlier than usual. As a result, the timing mismatch can cause hungry chicks to hatch before their food supply is available.
Originally Published: Jun 2, 2021
FAQ
1. What is Audubon’s ‘Lights Out’ program?
Audubon’s ‘Lights Out’ program is an initiative aimed at reducing the number of birds that are killed or injured due to collisions with buildings and other structures. The program encourages people and organizations to turn off non-essential lights during the migratory season to help birds navigate safely.
2. Why is it important to save the birds?
Birds play a crucial role in our ecosystem and are important indicators of the health of our environment. They help pollinate plants, control pests, and spread seeds. Furthermore, birds are a vital part of our cultural heritage and provide endless enjoyment through bird watching and other activities.
3. How do lights impact birds?
Lights can be disorienting for birds, causing them to fly off course during their migrations. Bright lights can also attract birds, leading them to collide with buildings or other structures. This can result in injury or death for the birds.
4. When is the migratory season?
The migratory season varies depending on the species of bird and their location. Generally, it occurs in the spring and fall when birds are traveling to and from their breeding grounds.
5. How can I participate in the ‘Lights Out’ program?
You can participate in the ‘Lights Out’ program by turning off non-essential lights in your home or workplace during the migratory season. You can also encourage your local government and businesses to participate in the program.
6. What are some other ways to help protect birds?
Other ways to help protect birds include keeping cats indoors, planting native vegetation, and using bird-friendly building materials. You can also support conservation organizations that work to protect birds and their habitats.
7. What are some common bird species that are impacted by lights?
Some common bird species that are impacted by lights include songbirds, warblers, thrushes, and woodcocks. These birds are particularly vulnerable during migration when they are traveling long distances and navigating unfamiliar terrain.
8. What are the benefits of participating in the ‘Lights Out’ program?
Participating in the ‘Lights Out’ program can help reduce the number of birds that are injured or killed due to collisions with buildings and other structures. It can also help raise awareness about the importance of bird conservation and the impact of human activities on their survival.
9. How successful has the ‘Lights Out’ program been?
The ‘Lights Out’ program has been successful in reducing bird collisions in many cities across the United States. For example, in Chicago, bird collisions decreased by 80% after the program was implemented.
10. Are there any downsides to participating in the ‘Lights Out’ program?
There are no downsides to participating in the ‘Lights Out’ program, as it only involves turning off non-essential lights during the migratory season. However, some people may be concerned about the impact on safety or security when lights are turned off.
11. How can I learn more about Audubon’s ‘Lights Out’ program?
You can learn more about Audubon’s ‘Lights Out’ program by visiting their website or contacting your local Audubon chapter. You can also find resources and information on bird conservation and the impact of lights on birds from other organizations such as the American Bird Conservancy.
12. What can I do if I find an injured bird?
If you find an injured bird, you should contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center or veterinarian. Do not attempt to handle the bird yourself unless you have been trained in bird handling and care. You can also contact your local Audubon chapter for advice and assistance.
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