HOUSTON — Starting Monday, April 22, the peak migration period will start for North American birds.
In the spring, roughly one in three birds will pass through Texas and most will travel at night. The reason is that lights can cause the birds to become disoriented and confused, which can cause them to fly into buildings. That is why businesses are encouraged to turn off all non-essential lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. every night.
So far, dozens of businesses have pledged to turn off their lights in Houston and Galveston.
Here are the lighting guidelines from Audubon Texas
- Turn off all non-essential lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night during migration season.
- Do not use landscape lighting to light up trees or gardens where birds may be resting.
- Close blinds at night to reduce the amount of light being emitted from windows.
For essential lights:
- Aim lights down.
- Use lighting shields to direct light downwards and to avoid light shining into the sky or trees.
- Use motion detectors and sensors so lights are only on when you need them.
For buildings taller than three stories:
- Extinguish or dim – Exterior and decorative lighting: lobby/atrium lighting; and lighting in perimeter rooms on all levels of the building.
- Avoid – Floodlights; illuminating interior plants or fountains, and unoccupied floors; scheduling cleaning crews after dark; and blue-rich white light emissions.
- Use – Desk lamps or task lighting rather than overhead lights; blinking lighting in place of continuously burning lights; and warm light sources for outdoor lighting.