For instance, if a resident, business owner, or school determines that they can safely turn off or dim their exterior lights and install motion detection lights as necessary to reduce their lighting load for Lights out Connecticut, they can join us in good faith. Participation is completely voluntary, self-monitored, and self-assessed. We educate and organize people to turn off or dim their nonessential lights during the weeks of April 1–May 31 and September 1–November 15. Lights Out Connecticut is a growing community of residents, property owners, businesses, nonprofits, and officials in Connecticut working together to protect migratory birds by reducing artificial light during peak periods of bird migration.

The result is catastrophic: Nearly 1 billion bird deaths in North America each year. Birds in urban environments are also subject to degraded habitats and can fall prey to housecats. Studies show, overly lit buildings and structures can tempt migrating birds into headlong windows collisions.

This can be made worse by weather patterns that force them to fly lower, closer to buildings. Artificial light emitted by buildings, street lights, bridges, and other structures can confuse and disorient birds, causing them to land near buildings, crash into windows, and/or circle around for hours until they drop from exhaustion.

And many scientists believe that birds navigate by the light of the moon and stars.īut light pollution has wreaked havoc on our night sky. Landing at daybreak allows for optimal foraging, as insects become active. Temperatures are cooler, skies are less turbulent, and predators are less active. Generally, nighttime hours are calmer and safer for migrants. Most migrating birds pass through Connecticut at night. Because our state is located along the Atlantic Flyway, many birds use our shorelines and green spaces to rest and refuel during their trip. Millions of birds pass through Connecticut every spring and fall on their way to and from their summer nesting grounds.

Download lights out for bird migration