The problem
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Atlanta Audubon Society has been studying collision-related bird deaths through its Project Safe Flight Atlanta Program since 2015. Project Safe Flight volunteers patrol selected routes during peak bird migration periods collecting birds that have died or been injured after colliding with buildings. Since the program launch, more than 900 birds of 89 different species have been collected. Click here to read more about Project Safe Flight Atlanta.
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Most migrating birds pass through Georgia during the nighttime hours. Generally, the evening hours are calmer and safer for migrants. Predators are less active at night, skies are often less turbulent, temperatures are cooler, and landing at daybreak allows for optimal foraging conditions. For generations, populations of warbler, thrush, and vireo have taken advantage of the darkened environment on their epic twice-yearly journey. However, urbanization has wreaked havoc on these birds as the ever-present glow of artificial light turns the normally safe nighttime sky into a perilous pathway.
Bright lights confuse and disorient resident and migrating birds as they pass over brightly lit cities, like metro Atlanta. These birds may collide with structures or become trapped in beams of light where they circle until they either die of exhaustion or land in an unsafe location. Once on the ground, brightly lit building lobbies, reflective glass showing trees and shrubs, or even indoor plants near windows can lead to more collisions. This can all be made worse by weather patterns that force birds lower and in a more direct line with our buildings.
Bright lights confuse and disorient resident and migrating birds as they pass over brightly lit cities, like metro Atlanta. These birds may collide with structures or become trapped in beams of light where they circle until they either die of exhaustion or land in an unsafe location. Once on the ground, brightly lit building lobbies, reflective glass showing trees and shrubs, or even indoor plants near windows can lead to more collisions. This can all be made worse by weather patterns that force birds lower and in a more direct line with our buildings.
The solution
Conservation Director with a White-throated Sparrow that was a collision victim. Photo by Dottie Head.
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Lights Out Atlanta is a voluntary effort designed to make Atlanta safer for our resident and migratory birds. Modeled after similar successful programs in New York City, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Toronto, Lights Out Atlanta participants pledge to take bird-friendly steps during spring and fall migration between the hours of 12:00 midnight and sunrise to create safe passage for migrating birds.
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Building managers and homeowners pledge to reduce lighting by:
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Golden-winged Warber by Dan VIckers
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Birds are not the only beneficiaries of Lights Out Atlanta. People can benefit too! The goal is not to completely darken the city, which could create safety concerns, but to reduce decorative and unnecessary night time lighting to create safe passage for birds. A building or home has a lot to gain by reducing their lighting. One building in Chicago was able to demonstrate an 80 percent decrease in collision-related mortality by simply turning off its lights!
Beyond saving the lives of birds, Lights Out Atlanta participants:
Beyond saving the lives of birds, Lights Out Atlanta participants:
- Save money
- Reduce energy usage and be more eco-friendly
- Follow sustainability guidelines (for corporate structures)
- Enjoy the stars!
Take the pledge!
Please Click here to download and print a copy of the commercial building form if you would prefer to submit a hard copy.
REsources
Atlanta Audubon is excited to partner with the following organizations on Lights Out Atlanta to help make Atlanta a Bird Friendly Community:
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