Eleanor Randolph, NY Times: Kill the Lights, Not the Birds:
As many as a billion birds die each year in this country as they attempt to follow their seasonal routes — flying north in summer months, south in winter. Because many songbirds, sea birds, and other avians rely on stars to navigate, they grow confused by artificial lights. As a result, these birds die in droves as their ancient routes are interrupted by tall, brightly lit, glass buildings.
We can’t unplug the nation for the birds, of course. But bird lovers in New York can celebrate another conversion in their intrepid campaign to dim non-essential lights during the bird migration seasons. Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York promised on Monday to begin right away turning off excess lights in state buildings from midnight until dawn as the birds fly across his state. […]
Bright lights once helped define human success, a triumph over the limits and perils of nighttime. Now we know that dimming those lights can mean a different kind of success — the survival of thousands and thousands of migrating birds.
Read entire essay: Kill the Lights, Not the Birds
Photo Credit: wiki commons
This is something that has bothered me for a long, long time. Killing so many birds just to have the bright city lights on. I sure hope change is coming.
I’m embarrassed to say that until I read this article, I had no idea it was a problem. I’m aware now.
I didn’t know either! Thankfully people are waking up 🙂
It was same for me too dear David, I haven’t any idea till now. This is so sad… Thank you, love, nia
We have a similar problem with sea turtles. When the hatchlings hatch, they naturally follow the brightest light to the ocean. They get confused by artificial lights from hotels and other buildings on the beach, heading the wrong way to certain death. Along Fort Lauderdale Beach, lights are out from May to October, resulting in a dramatic increase in the number of these majestic creatures that survive.
Had no idea. Thanks for sharing Carolann.
Something to think about. We humans are so selfish
I hope change is coming soon. We do everything we can here to help the sea turtles during their nesting season, as Carolann says.
Glad to hear this Helen.