2026 - Lights Out Elm Grove
Author: Tyler Beckley Every spring and fall, billions of birds make a remarkable journey, as they fly north to nesting grounds and south to wintering habitats. Most travel under the cover of night, using the stars to help them navigate. But when they pass over brightly lit cities, artificial light can lead them astray, sometimes with unfortunately deadly consequences. Skyglow and building lights can disorient birds, causing them to circle endlessly, call out in distress, and waste precious energy. That exhaustion makes them more vulnerable to collisions, predators, and other urban dangers. The toll can be staggering; dozens of species are affected, including priority species like the Allen’s Hummingbird, Wood Thrush, and Golden-winged Warbler. In one week in 2017, nearly 400 migrating songbirds died after being trapped in the floodlights of a 32-story Texas skyscraper, ultimately colliding with its windows. The Audubon Society’s Lights Out program offers ...
