MEXICO: New York is going to switch off non-essential lights in state-run buildings so that migrating birds can navigate their migratory routes during spring and autumn. It is believed that such birds use stars for their navigation.
Migrating birds can be confused by electric lights and crash into buildings. The occurrence is known as “fatal light attraction.” According to estimations, around one billion birds get killed due to this every year in the United States. The city of New York falls along the Atlantic Flyway route of millions of migrating birds.
Bright outdoor lights in New York will be switched off during peak migration seasons in autumn and spring between 23:00 and dawn. Likewise, the migrating birds passing over the city by night will have a better chance of making it further north.
The announcement came from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday. “This is a simple step to help protect these migrating birds that make their home in New York’s forests, lakes and rivers,” Cuomo said. “I encourage anyone interested in learning more about New York’s birds and their migrations to visit the new ‘I Love NY Birding’ website.”
New York joins the efforts of the Audubon Society which works on reducing sources of light pollution disrupting and disorienting birds during migration. Bright exterior lights will be turned off in State-owned and managed buildings between April 15 and May 31, also between Aug. 15 and Nov. 15.
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