Texas Parks and Wildlife has issued a reminder of the annual Lights Out Initiative during peak bird migration, which runs from now through May 12.
“With Texas hosting three out of the top 10 cities that pose the greatest light pollution risk to migrating birds, ‘Lights Out Texas’ is a meaningful way for people to support safe passage for the birds that migrate through our night skies,” said Tania Homayoun, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department nongame ornithologist.
“Taking action can be as easy as flipping a switch, closing curtains or blinds, or committing to dark-skies-friendly lighting in the places we live, work and play. It’s fantastic to see so many homeowners, businesses and volunteers getting involved with this conservation effort.”
In 2017, after discovering the bodies of more than 400 birds that had slammed into a Galveston skyscraper, the American National Insurance Company and Houston Audubon launched the first “Lights Out” initiative in Texas.
Around the same time, a nationwide program supported by BirdCast migration forecast began. City lights attract and disorient birds, causing collisions and deaths, and both groups sought to reduce bird mortalities associated with light pollution.
Texans are asked to turn off all nonessential lights between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., direct lights downward, close blinds, and use light shields and motion detectors.
