News Summary
Raleigh has announced its participation in the nationwide ‘Lights Out’ initiative, aimed at protecting migrating birds by turning off non-essential lights at city facilities from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. during the fall migration season. This effort addresses the dangers artificial light poses to nocturnal migrating birds, contributing to the city’s sustainability goals while also aiming for cost savings through reduced energy use. Local organizations support these measures to decrease light pollution and conserve bird populations during critical migration times.
Raleigh to Implement “Lights Out” Initiative to Protect Migrating Birds
The city of Raleigh is taking a significant step to safeguard migrating birds by participating in the nationwide “Lights Out” initiative. From September 10 to November 30, all non-essential lighting in Raleigh’s city facilities will be turned off from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. during the peak migration seasons of fall, aiming to reduce disorienting artificial light that can threaten bird populations.
The Need for Action: Protecting Nocturnal Migrants
Millions of birds migrate through North Carolina each spring and fall, predominantly at night. During these migrations, bright lights from buildings and urban areas can attract and confuse birds, leading to dangerous collisions. Bird species such as robins, warblers, and orioles are among those most affected by artificial lights, which can cause disorientation and increase mortality rates.
Bird populations across the globe are experiencing serious declines, partly due to habitat loss, climate change, and threats like light pollution. Disorientation caused by artificial lighting adds to these challenges, especially during the busy migration periods in late September and early October, when migration activity peaks nationwide.
Details of the “Lights Out” Initiative in Raleigh
Raleigh’s participation in the “Lights Out” for Bird Migration initiative will involve turning off or dimming all non-essential lights at city facilities during the specified hours. This effort aligns with Raleigh’s broader sustainability goals and the Community Climate Action Plan aimed at reducing energy consumption and minimizing environmental impact.
This initiative not only helps protect migrating birds but also offers an opportunity for cost savings by lowering energy use during the migration seasons. The city’s commitment underscores a growing recognition of the importance of addressing artificial light pollution to support local and regional bird populations.
Supporting Recommendations and Broader Participation
Audit and conservation groups, including Audubon North Carolina, have provided recommendations for reducing light pollution during migration seasons. These guidelines advise turning off or dimming exterior lights, closing blinds to prevent light spill, and encouraging employers to dim office lights at night to support migrating birds.
Raleigh is one of many locations across the United States that participate in the “Lights Out” effort, which occurs twice annually to coincide with migration peaks during spring and fall. In Washington state alone, millions of migrating birds are expected during upcoming nights, with an estimated 6.4 million crossing the state on September 18-19.
Tools and Data Supporting Bird Migration Conservation
Scientists utilize tools like radar and atmospheric data to track and understand bird migration patterns, which helps inform conservation efforts. BirdCast, a notable source of migration data, estimates that over 602,900 birds crossed North Carolina in a single night in August, highlighting the scale of nocturnal migration in the region.
As climate change impacts the timing of bird migration, many species are adjusting their travel schedules, which can affect their access to food resources and breeding habitats. Awareness and proactive measures, such as the Lights Out initiative, are crucial in mitigating human-related threats during critical migration periods.
Practical Steps for the Public to Support Bird Migration
Homeowners and businesses can contribute to the effort by taking simple steps. These include turning off outdoor lights, closing window blinds to prevent interior light from disorienting birds, and encouraging workplaces to dim or turn off unnecessary lights at night. These actions collectively help reduce artificial light exposure and support the health of migrating bird populations.
Summary
Raleigh’s “Lights Out” initiative exemplifies local efforts to protect migrating birds from the dangers posed by artificial lighting. By participating from September 10 to November 30, the city joins a broader movement to reduce light pollution, conserve energy, and support the vital role that migratory birds play in ecosystems across the country.
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Additional Resources
- ABC11 News
- King 5 News
- Hoodline
- News Observer
- WRAL
- Wikipedia: Bird Migration
- Google Search: Bird Migration
- Google Scholar: Bird Migration
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bird Migration
- Google News: Bird Migration
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
