The Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) is urging homeowners and businesses to reduce outdoor lighting overnight to protect migratory birds making their seasonal journey through the state.
From 11 p.m. until 6 a.m., LWF asks that non-essential lights be turned off or dimmed. According to federation member Charles Williams, bright lights can confuse birds that normally navigate by the stars and moon, sometimes leading them to crash into buildings.
“Collisions with structures leave countless birds either fatally injured or dead,” Williams noted.
Research shows that up to a billion birds are lost each year in North America due to building strikes. With more than 500 million birds expected to fly across Louisiana during migration, advocates say small steps—such as shutting off decorative or unnecessary lighting—can make a major difference in helping wildlife travel safely while also lowering energy use.
