The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of General Services (OGS) today remind New Yorkers to take action to help protect migrating birds as they navigate night skies by participating in the ‘Lights Out’ initiative. According to the 2025 State of the Birds Report from the North American Bird Conservation Initiative, migratory birds continue to experience widespread population declines. Joining national and international efforts, State buildings participating in Lights Out will keep certain non-essential outdoor lighting from affecting the ability of birds to migrate successfully throughout New York.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “DEC is proud to join our New York State partners to lead by example and take actions to help reduce bird collisions. The national Lights Out initiative is a simple way New York State agencies and New Yorkers can protect wildlife and ecosystems and help a variety of bird species have a safe, successful migratory journey.”
New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, “The Lights Out initiative invites all New Yorkers to help migratory birds in flight avoid dangerous obstacles by simply flicking a switch or closing a window blind to reduce excessive lighting. OGS is proud to join with DEC and our other partners in state government to help our feathered friends safely navigate during their spring and fall migrations.”
Many species of shorebirds and songbirds rely on constellations to help navigate to and from their summer breeding grounds through the state. Excessive outdoor lighting, especially in adverse weather conditions, can cause migrating birds to become disoriented, a phenomenon known as fatal light attraction. According to several studies, fatal light attraction can lead to collisions with windows, walls, floodlights, or the ground and the death of more than 1 billion birds annually in the U.S.
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 window, April 15 through May 31, and also 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 a cost-savings to the state.
Meredith Barges, Chair of Lights Out Central New York said, “The solution to light pollution that can harm migrating birds is so simple - switch off unnecessary lights at your home or business each night during peak bird migration, which runs through May 31. We all have a role to play in helping our magnificent migratory birds navigate safely through our region.”
Laura McCarthy, Senior Network Engagement Manager for Audubon’s Connecticut and New York Regional Office said, “The Lights Out movement is growing, and local Audubon chapters are a driving force behind the momentum. More than 50 cities and regions are involved in Lights Out programs, encompassing many of the most dangerous metropolitan areas for migratory birds. We have seen that a single building can kill hundreds of disoriented birds in one night — this sad fact underscores the value of going Lights Out, which can impact millions of birds. Audubon applauds New York State for its leadership on this, and encourages everyone to be part of the solution by turning off your unnecessary indoor and outdoor lights every night during peak bird migration from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.”
Jessica Wilson, Executive Director of NYC Bird Alliance said, “Millions of birds migrate through New York's night skies each spring, in an awe-inspiring journey happening right over our heads. Turning off unnecessary lights helps these travelers stay on course and avoid deadly collisions with buildings. It’s a simple, easy act that protects wildlife—and saves energy.”
DEC encourages birding enthusiasts to visit I BIRD NY for more information on where and how to observe birds, upcoming bird walks, a downloadable Beginner's Guide to Birding (PDF) (available in Spanish (PDF)), information on the annual I BIRD NY Challenge, and additional educational resources. The New York State Birding Trail map is also available at www.ibirdny.organd provides valuable information on each site such as location, available amenities, species likely to be seen, directions, and more. Digital information on the Birding Trail will be updated periodically, so budding outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to check back often.
DEC also reminds the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is currently widespread in wild birds and mammals. The public can help minimize risk and the spread of disease by preventing contact between domestic animals and wild birds and is encouraged to report sick or deceased wildlife. In cases where field staff may be unavailable to collect samples or carcasses from the landscape and removal is necessary, use proper personal protective equipment, including disposable gloves, a mask and eye protection. Avoid direct contact with the carcass or fluids by using a shovel to transfer it to a tripled garbage or contractor bag, which should be placed in an outdoor trash receptacle. More information about HPAI, including how it is spread, and which animals can be infected, is available on DEC’s Animal Diseases webpage.
