The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of General Services (OGS) today reminded New Yorkers to take action to protect migrating birds as they navigate night skies by participating in the ‘Lights Out’ initiative. Joining national and international efforts, State buildings participating in Lights Out will keep non-essential outdoor lighting from affecting the ability of birds to migrate successfully throughout New York.
“The national Lights Out initiative is a simple way we can help make the spring migration more successful in caring for the long-term well-being of our avian visitors and the important roles all birds play in healthy ecosystems,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “All New Yorkers can take actions large and small to protect migratory birds and other wildlife that depend on our state’s abundant natural resources.”
New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, “New York State is central to some of the most vital migratory bird corridors in the nation, serving as a critical highway for hundreds of species each year. As stewards of over 20 million square feet of state office space, Team OGS is proud to join the national Lights Out initiative to ensure safe passage through our skies.”
Many species of shorebirds and songbirds rely on constellations to help them navigate to and from their summer breeding grounds throughout the state. Excessive outdoor lighting, especially in adverse weather conditions, can disorient migrating birds, a phenomenon known as fatal light attraction. Reducing excessive outdoor lighting helps reduce the number of birds that die each year in the U.S. from collisions related to fatal light attraction with windows, walls, floodlights, and the ground.
NYC Bird Alliance Director of Conservation and Science, Dr. Dustin Patridge said, “NYC Bird Alliance research shows artificial light contributes to hundreds of thousands of bird deaths in New York City every year. Turning off lights saves birds, saves money, and makes New York a more livable environment for people. We're proud to see New York State leading by example and protecting birds across its incredible environments.”
Michael Burger, Vice President, National Audubon Society in New York said, “Every spring, an incredible phenomenon unfolds above us — millions of birds navigating invisible flyways through New York's night skies. Yet for many, that journey ends tragically due to something all-too visible: light pollution. A single building can disorient and kill hundreds of birds in one night, but the fix is remarkably straightforward. By turning off lights between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., we can dramatically reduce the number of birds lost to collisions each year. Audubon is proud to stand alongside New York State in championing this effort, and we're calling on homeowners, businesses, and building managers across the region to join us.”
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, April 15 through May 31, and 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 cost-savings to the state.
New Yorkers can assist with this effort by minimizing overnight lighting at their homes or on their properties. DEC encourages New Yorkers to take steps to protect bird and wildlife habitat on their property by planting native plants and trees, removing invasive plants, and making windows more visible to birds to minimize bird collisions.
Birding enthusiasts can visit I BIRD NY for more information on where and how to observe birds, upcoming bird walks, a downloadable Beginner's Guide to Birding (available in Spanish), information on the annual I BIRD NY Challenge, and additional educational resources. The New York State Birding Trail map is also available online and 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 is updated periodically, so budding outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to check back often.
DEC manages and oversees five million acres of public lands and conservation easements and plays a vital role in both protecting New York’s natural resources and providing opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors. From fishing on scenic streams, hiking and rock climbing, swimming and boating, birding, and nature study, or simply relaxing in a tent under the stars, there are endless adventures to be found.
