Dim the Lights for Songbirds
1Every spring and fall, many songbirds travel long distances. Some fly between summer homes in the north and winter homes in the south. Many of these birds travel at night, when the air is often cooler and calmer.
2Many birds that fly at night use the stars to help find their way. Bright city lights can confuse them. Some birds circle around lit buildings until they are worn out. Others fly into windows.
3I think every town should turn off extra lights at night when songbirds are traveling. It is one of the easiest ways people can help birds. Families can close their curtains and switch off porch lights they do not need. Office buildings can turn off lights on empty floors.
4Some people say that bright lights help them feel safe at night. That is true, and I do not think we should turn off every light. Streetlights can stay on. But a sign glowing over an empty parking lot at midnight does not help anyone.
5Turning off a light takes only a second. For a tired bird flying over a city, it could make a big difference. Let's give the songbirds a dark sky to follow.