Bright Nights and Migrating Birds

Many birds travel at night and use stars and other sky cues to keep direction.

Bright city lights can attract or confuse birds when clouds hide stars. Birds may circle buildings and use energy needed for travel.

Researchers found fewer collisions near a tower after decorative lights were switched off midnight to dawn. They advise shielding lights and switching off unused signs.

Many communities use decorative lighting to make streets and buildings attractive at night, but bright light can affect wildlife as well as people. During migration, birds may pass through urban areas while traveling between seasonal habitats.

Clouds can hide the stars and make artificial light more noticeable. The researchers compared collision reports near one tower before and after its decorative lights were turned off overnight.

The change was associated with fewer collisions in that location, though the finding does not show that every collision has the same cause. The researchers recommend practical steps that reduce unnecessary light while allowing essential lights to remain available for safety.

Bright Nights and Migrating Birds

Many birds travel at night and use stars and other sky cues to keep direction.

Bright city lights can attract or confuse birds when clouds hide stars. Birds may circle buildings and use energy needed for travel.

Researchers found fewer collisions near a tower after decorative lights were switched off midnight to dawn. They advise shielding lights and switching off unused signs.

Many communities use decorative lighting to make streets and buildings attractive at night, but bright light can affect wildlife as well as people. During migration, birds may pass through urban areas while traveling between seasonal habitats.

Clouds can hide the stars and make artificial light more noticeable. The researchers compared collision reports near one tower before and after its decorative lights were turned off overnight.

The change was associated with fewer collisions in that location, though the finding does not show that every collision has the same cause. The researchers recommend practical steps that reduce unnecessary light while allowing essential lights to remain available for safety.