The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of General Services (OGS) reminds 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.
We all play a role in protecting the environment and wildlife and the national Lights Out initiative is a simple way to help a variety of bird species survive and thrive during the busy migration season and DEC will lead by example and take actions to reduce bird collisions.
Many species of shorebirds and songbirds rely on constellations to help them 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 the National Zoological Park and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, fatal light attraction has led to collisions with windows, walls, floodlights, or the ground and the death of an estimated 365 to 988 million birds annually in the United States.
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 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.
DEC encourages birding enthusiasts to visit I BIRD NY dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2024/3/dec-announces-2024-i-bird-ny-challenge 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 dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/birds/birding/trail-locations 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 will be updated periodically, so 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.
