Twice a year, billions of birds travel hundreds of miles between their winter and summer homes, mostly at night, using the stars to navigate. In Northern Virginia alone, an estimated 100 to 160 million birds migrate through our skies each spring and fall.
Artificial lights can turn their journey into a confusing and dangerous trek. Bright lights on tall buildings and city skyglow attract the feathered travelers, leading to window collisions or exhaustion from circling illuminated structures.
As birds begin their migration this spring, the county is supporting the "Lights Out for Birds" campaign led by the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance. The alliance, in partnership with local organizations such as Nature Forward, Friends of Huntley Meadows and DarkSky NOVA, encourages residents and businesses to reduce excessive outdoor nighttime lighting from 11 p.m. through 6 a.m., March 15 to May 31 — the peak of spring bird migration.
Simple changes to lighting can make a difference. A Chicago study found that reducing nighttime lights in a single high-rise building decreased bird deaths by 80%, while also saving energy and lowering costs.
Residents do not need to surround themselves in total darkness to support bird-friendly lighting. Motion sensors, shielded lights and warm-colored bulbs can help reduce excess light while still providing enough outdoor illumination. Keeping lights directed downward and using lower-intensity bulbs can also make areas safer for both people and wildlife.
Here’s how you can support migrating birds:
* Dim interior lights or close blinds. Prevent indoor lighting from escaping and disorienting birds.
* Use motion sensors or timers. Install lighting that only turns on when needed.
* Use warm, downward-facing lights. Outdoor lights should be shielded, aimed downward, and have a warm (amber) color instead of blue-white light.
* Install window decals or protective film. Help prevent birds from flying into glass by using patterns or films that make windows more visible to them.
* Reduce decorative and upper-floor lighting. High-rise buildings can turn off or reduce lighting on upper floors and exterior decorative lights.
* Follow DarkSky International’s Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting. Ensure lighting is useful, low-level, targeted, controlled and warm-colored.
* Spread the Word. Tell neighbors, friends and local businesses about the "Lights Out for Birds" campaign.
* Sign the Lights Out Pledge hosted by the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance and show your commitment. https://www.nvbirdalliance.org/lights-out-for-birds