SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – A move is underway to protect the night flights of birds across Louisiana.
Fall migrations are happening now, and the Louisiana Wildlife Federation is reminding residents, building managers, and owners to turn off or dim unnecessary external and internal lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. until November 1.
As more than 50 million fledglings make their way south, turning down the lights is a painless and cost-effective way to help them have a successful first-time southern fly. The Lights Out Louisiana spring campaign helped more than 450 million birds navigate tall buildings after taking a simple step.
1000 migrating birds perish after crashing into skyscraper windows
Erik Johnson is Audubon Delta’s Director of Conservation Science. He said Louisiana is off to a good start, with many warblers appearing earlier in the season than expected.
“From August 1st to September 17, Cornell University’s BirdCast has estimated that an above-average 179.2 million birds have migrated through or over Louisiana, mostly on their way to Central and South America,” said Johnson. “But, sadly, many of these birds—estimated at more than a billion a year in North America alone—will die in collisions with buildings.”
Hooded warblers migrate to Louisiana for dating and mating
Here’s how you can join in the Lights Out Louisiana initiative
Turn off non-essential lights nightly from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. during the migration period.
Avoid using landscape lighting on trees or gardens where birds may be resting.
For essential security and safety lighting, use these dark skies-friendly lighting adjustments:
Aim lights downwards.
Use light shields to direct light downwards and prevent an upward glare.
Use motion detectors and sensors so lights turn on when needed.
Close blinds at night to limit the amount of light seen through windows.
For building owners/managers:
Adjust custodial schedules to be completed by 11:00 p.m.
Ensure lights are turned off after custodial cleaning.
Additional guidelines for buildings taller than three stories
Dim or turn off:
Exterior/decorative lighting.
Lobby/atrium lights.
Perimeter room lights on all levels.
Floodlights.
Lighting on interior plants/fountains.
Lights on vacant floors.
Lights with blue-rich white light emissions (over 3000 K in color temperature.
Experts suggest using desk lamps instead of overhead lamps and converting to “warm-white” or filtered LED outdoor lights – less than 3000 Kelvin in color temperature.
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Publish date : 2024-09-19 08:53:00
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