Dark Nights, Safe Flights: How Turning Off Lights Helps Migrating Birds

Many birds fly at night during their yearly migrations. Bright city lights attract and confuse these birds, and some fly into windows or buildings. Researchers estimate hundreds of millions of birds die each year after these collisions.

Cities and conservation groups ask people to turn off non-essential lights during spring and fall migration because dark skies help birds fly safely. Turning lights off from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on peak nights can help birds pass. Places like Chicago, Toronto, and New York run "Lights Out" programs and ask building managers to dim lights. You can help at home by closing curtains, dimming lamps, or switching off decorative lights.