Building managers can protect migrating birds by turning out the lights at night. And– turning off lights in unused places saves electricity and money, too.
Turn out your lights after 11 pm during migration season. If you’re a night owl, close the drapes when the lights are burning late to keep the light from spilling out through the windows.
Lights Out campaigns exist in many regions; if your region doesn’t have an active program– start one. That’s how these things happen! Learn more from Audubon Society and the American Bird Conservancy to get started.
what is a ‘lights out’ program?
lights out programs are voluntary programs that encourage building managers to turn off exterior lights during spring and fall migration.
Lights Out programs in the US and Canada
Akron, Ohio: Lights Out Akron
Atlanta: Lights Out Atlanta
Baltimore: Lights Out Baltimore!
Boston: Lights Out Boston
Charlotte, North Carolina: Lights Out Charlotte
Chicago: Lights Out Chicago
Columbus, Ohio: Lights Out Columbus
Detroit: Safe Passage Great Lakes
Indianapolis: Lights Out Indy
Miami Valley, Ohio: Lights Out Miami Valley
Milwaukee: WINGS/Wisconsin Night Guardians for Songbirds
Minneapolis/St Paul: Lights Out Twin Cities
New York City: Lights Out New York
Portland, Oregon: Lights Out Portland
Raleigh, North Carolina: Lights Out Raleigh
San Francisco Bay Area: Lights Out for Birds
Toledo, Ohio: Lights Out Toledo
Toronto: Lights Out Toronto!
Washington DC: Lights Out DC
Wilmington, Delaware: Lights Out! Wilmington
Winston-Salem, North Carolina: Lights Out Winston Salem
Check out this map of Lights Out Programs in North America, compiled by the American Bird Conservatory.
wildlife-friendly lighting design
Other programs encourage good lighting design– and turning off unnecessary lights– usually to promote energy conservation, improve air quality and preserve the night sky:
International Dark Sky Association
last updated April 2018