Texas skyscrapers are dimming their lights to protect the billions of birds that pass through the state during spring migration. One tragic incident in 2017 saw nearly 400 migratory birds collide with a single office tower in Galveston. Such collisions are common due to brightly lit buildings, posing a threat to the significant bird population that migrates through Texas.
The state’s location at the convergence of major migratory flyways makes it a crucial stopover for birds traveling from wintering sites in Mexico to nesting sites in Canada. However, hazards like city lights increase the risk of fatal collisions, with between 365 million to one billion birds estimated to die annually from building collisions in the US.
Big lit-up buildings, such as skyscrapers and convention centres, are particularly dangerous, leading to mass bird crashes. The green lights of One Moody Plaza in Galveston were fatal attractions for many birds, highlighting the impact of artificial light on bird migration.
Following the 2017 incident, initiatives like „Lights Out, Texas!“ have been launched to encourage building owners to switch off unnecessary lighting during migration seasons. These efforts aim to create a safer passage for nocturnally migrating birds, particularly smaller songbirds like warblers and sparrows.
Early data suggests that dimming lights can significantly reduce bird mortality, with a 60% decrease observed in Chicago when lights are turned off. However, protecting migrating bird species presents unique challenges due to their vast travel distances and diverse habitats.
Spreading awareness, empathy, and implementing effective measures are essential to safeguarding migrating birds and preserving ecosystem health. Collaborative efforts involving organisations, communities, and policymakers are crucial in mitigating the threats faced by these vital avian populations.
Photo: (c) Bruce LePard
