New York State DEC encouraging residents minimize overnight lighting sources in efforts to protect migrating birds
The New York State DEC is reminding state residents that they can help protect migrating birds as they navigate night skies by participating in the ‘Lights Out’ initiative.
All State buildings participating in ‘Lights Out’ will keep non-essential outdoor lighting from affecting the ability of birds to migrate successfully throughout New York, the DEC says.
According to DEC officials, many species of shorebirds and songbirds rely on constellations to help them navigate to and from their summer breeding grounds throughout the state.
Excessive outdoor lighting, especially in adverse weather conditions, can disorient migrating birds, a phenomenon known as fatal light attraction.
Reducing excessive outdoor lighting helps reduce the number of birds that die each year in the U.S. from collisions related to fatal light attraction with windows, walls, floodlights, and the ground.
New Yorkers can assist with this effort by minimizing overnight lighting at their homes or on their properties, the DEC emphasized.
“The national Lights Out initiative is a simple way we can help make the spring migration more successful in caring for the long-term well-being of our avian visitors and the important roles all birds play in healthy ecosystems,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton.
“All New Yorkers can take actions large and small to protect migratory birds and other wildlife that depend on our state’s abundant natural resources.”
Lights Out directs State-owned and managed buildings to turn off non-essential outdoor lighting from 11 p.m. to dawn during the spring migration, April 15 through May 31, and during the peak fall migration, Aug. 15 through Nov. 15.
State agencies are also encouraged to draw blinds, when possible, and turn off non-essential indoor lighting during Lights Out times.
In addition to benefiting migrating birds, Lights Out promotes sustainability and provides cost-savings to the state.
NYS DEC image.
