How a City Switched off the Lights To Help Birds Migrate Safely
Kudos to the environment- conscious and bird-friendly people of Texas.
They overwhelmingly responded to the Lights Out! Texas campaign, which asked them to switch off non- essential outdoor lights between 11 pm and 6 am and saved the lives of millions of birds.
Texas is in the middle of the migratory path of birds during spring and autumn (March-June and August to September). About 2 billion birds use this path.
Birds migrate during the night, guided by the light of the stars and the moon. Distracted by the bright, artificial light, they smash against the buildings and die in large numbers.
Researchers say the lights off campaign can reduce bird deaths by about 60 %.
Anna Vallery, a Conservation Specialist, said,
“We’re seeing communities all across the state join in on this effort.”
