Photo: Roberto Machado Noa / Moment / Getty Images
Jacksonville, FL - Jacksonville is taking action to help protect birds from crashing into buildings during migration season.
City officials and environmental groups are launching the "Lights Out North Florida" campaign, asking residents and businesses to turn off unnecessary outdoor lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. to help birds safely travel through the area.
The initiative will run twice a year, from March 15th to May 15th and September 15th to November 15th, when large numbers of birds pass through Northeast Florida.
Many birds use the moon and stars to navigate at night, but bright city lights can confuse them, leading them to fly off course, become exhausted, or crash into buildings.
Jacksonville recorded over 200 bird deaths in 2024 from building collisions, though experts believe the real number is much higher.
Across North America, bird populations have dropped by nearly 3 billion since 1970, and light pollution is a major cause.
Residents and businesses can take a few simple steps to protect birds:
- Turn off outdoor lights that aren’t necessary from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Close blinds or dim indoor lights, especially in taller buildings.
- Use motion-sensor lights or fixtures that direct light downward.
More cities across the country are adopting “Lights Out” programs to help reduce bird deaths.
Jacksonville hopes that by making small changes, the community can make a big impact.
For more information on how to participate, visit Duval Audubon Society.