Help Save Migratory Birds by Turning Off Lights at Night
Did you know Northeast Florida is the second-largest area that birds migrate along the Atlantic Coast? Undertaking such a long journey comes with its challenges, but one significant hurdle has had a huge impact on bird populations over the past several years: the increase of artificial light shining into the night sky.
Lights Out Northeast Florida is a collaborative partnership between Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Duval Audubon Society, and St. Johns County Audubon Society.
According to the National Audubon Society, 70% of North American bird species migrate and 80% of those species migrate at night — primarily small songbirds. These songbirds use the cover of darkness to avoid predators and use the light from the moon and stars to find the way to their wintering and breeding grounds. The bright lights we have on our homes and buildings can attract and disorient birds on their migration journeys.
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How can you help migratory birds during their Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) Migrations?
- Turn off your lights during the darkest period of night – between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during migration seasons
- Direct your lights to point downward, instead of upward into the sky
- Switch floodlights to timed lights or motion sensor lights
- Encourage the businesses you frequent to turn off their lights or reduce the amount of time their lights are on at night
- Share our messages and graphics with family and friends. Use the hashtag, #LightsOutForBirds
- Become a Volunteer
The intention of this partnership is to inform, encourage, and empower the Northeast Florida community on ways we can reduce our impact on migratory birds. Join us in turning off our lights or reducing the amount of light projected into the sky through alternative lighting options and easy, cost-effective strategies.
Learn more: Audubon's Nationwide Lights Out Program
We're now accepting volunteers to help in our efforts downtown during the 2021 spring and fall migrations!
become a volunteer