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.
To protect birds, we advocate for:
- Lights Out legislation that will reduce artificial light at night during migration seasons, making the City safer for birds and more sustainable for people.
%20(2).jpg)
NYC Bird Alliance staff join the 2023 Lights Out rally outside City Hall.
.jpg)
Kathy Nizzari, Christian Cooper, Councilmember Erik Bottcher, and NYC Bird Alliance Executive Director Jessica Wilson at a Lights Out Rally. Photo: Denise Kelly
%20(1).JPG)
The Lights Out Coalition and NYC Bird Alliance fight for Lights Out legislation to protect migratory birds. Photo: Denise Kelly
NYC Bird Alliance staff join the 2023 Lights Out rally outside City Hall.
Kathy Nizzari, Christian Cooper, Councilmember Erik Bottcher, and NYC Bird Alliance Executive Director Jessica Wilson at a Lights Out Rally. Photo: Denise Kelly
The Lights Out Coalition and NYC Bird Alliance fight for Lights Out legislation to protect migratory birds. Photo: Denise Kelly
TAKE ACTION: SUPPORT LIGHTS OUT LEGISLATION
Intro 896 would require privately owned commercial and industrial buildings in New York City to turn off non-essential lights during migration periods. The bill would prohibit nighttime illumination of the exterior or interior of privately owned buildings except where individuals remain inside and where nighttime illumination is required by law, rule, or zoning resolution.
This bill was reintroduced by City Councilmember Francisco Moya in May 2024. All 20 of the bill's former co-sponsors in the City Council remain dedicated to supporting the bill.
TAKE ACTION: SUPPORT DARK SKIES PROTECTION ACT
The Dark Skies Protection Act would add a new article to the environmental conservation law, which would better control light pollution in New York State and establish limits on the use of outdoor lighting.
Introduced in the NY State Senate by State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (District 47) and the NY State Assembly by State Assemblymember Patricia Fahy (District 109), the Dark Skies Protection Act is a direct action to save native biodiversity and combat climate change. It needs your support.
Introduced in the NY State Senate by State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (District 47) and the NY State Assembly by State Assemblymember Patricia Fahy (District 109), the Dark Skies Protection Act is a direct action to save native biodiversity and combat climate change. It needs your support.
