Artificial Light at Night
Reduce Artificial Light at Night
Turning off artificial nighttime lighting helps protect night-migrating birds, keeping them on their natural migration paths. Photo: John Deguzman
The threat of artificial light
- Millions of birds pass through New York City each spring and fall migration, relying on natural light cues for navigation, communication, and reproduction.
- Artificial light pollution disturbs these cues, reorienting birds' pathways and drawing them into our dangerous urban environment.
- As birds stop to rest and refuel, they encounter glass windows and facades that reflect sky and habitat. An estimated quarter of a million birds die from window collisions in NYC each year.
How You Can Help Support Lights Out Advocacy Efforts
NEW DATE (8/13): Rally with Us for Lights Out at City Hall
Lights Out legislation, which would reduce unnecessary nighttime lighting in commercial, office, and educational buildings, represents a simple, commonsense conservation practice to support birds, people, and the planet. Join us as we call on City Council to make NYC a more bird-safe city. Bring your own rally sign or just show up!
Take the Lights Out Pledge!
Join NYC Bird Alliance and fellow New Yorkers in making the City safer for migrating birds by taking our Lights Out Pledge. By turning off unnecessary lights at night during migration season, we can make the City safer for the millions of birds passing overhead, help reduce light pollution, which is good for birds and people. lower energy use for a more sustainable city.
