Lights Out Indiana Movement Helps Protect Migrating Birds
Nearly 30 million birds are expected to fly over Indiana over the next three days, and you can help them make the trip safely.
Millions of Birds Migrating Over Indiana This Week
Every fall, a massive migration occurs as birds travel between the cooler and warmer climates of North America in preparation for winter. In the fall, the greatest migration period takes place in September and October.
Millions of birds are currently on the move, with millions expected to fly over the Hoosier State. Sadly, a lot of the birds won't actually make it to their final destinations, but there is something you can do to help make their migration safer.
Why Lights Out Indiana Matters for Migrating Birds
Indiana Audubon shared details of this week's migration on social media, where they say we can expect to see nearly 30 million birds pass over the state September 24th - 26th. To help them navigate safely, Indiana Audubon recommends that we turn off outside lights.
Indiana's skies will be full of migrating birds the next three nights. Most birds travel at night using stars and Earth’s magnetic field. Help them stay on course by turning off non-essential outdoor lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. - Indiana Audubon via Facebook
How Light Pollution Harms Migrating Birds
According to Bird Safe Indy, birds can become disoriented when flying over urban areas with a lot of light pollution. The Indianapolis organization says that urban lights can cause the birds to become confused.
Confused by the lights, the birds fly into the city, and the urban environment becomes a deadly trap. The birds strike buildings as they arrive. In the morning birds take flight and collide with buildings that have clear or reflective glass.
Simple Ways You Can Help Protect Migrating Birds
By turning off your outside lights during the months of migration, you can reduce the number of casualties. According to the National Audubon Society, here are some of the things you can do to help,
- Turn off exterior decorative lighting
- Extinguish pot and flood-lights
- Substitute strobe lighting wherever possible
- Reduce atrium lighting wherever possible
- Turn off interior lighting especially on higher stories
The National Audubon Society is an organization that works to protect birds and their habitats all across the country. To learn more visit Audubon.org.
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Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals