It is estimated that millions of birds die across North America each year due to birds hitting buildings, especially high-rise buildings. These numbers are particularly high during times of migration. This is why many groups, including the NYC Audubon, are working with cities to reduce light pollution which interferes with bird migration.
The NYC Audubon society estimates that at least 90,000 birds die each year in New York City due to run-ins with buildings. This is why the group has been holding an annual project for five years to have the city’s skyscrapers turn down their lights. The group believes that such lights interfere with the migrating birds’ natural ability to migrate by disorienting them.
This project by NYC Audubon runs until November 1st, when expected migrants will have completed their journeys through the city. The group works with high-rise buildings in order to have them turn off lights in unused areas of their buildings between midnight and sunrise. They also push for occupants to use desk lamps and to use blinds and curtains to block out the light.
Chicago’s Field Museum performed a study in which they found that there were 83 percent fewer birds hitting buildings when lights were turned off. This is why a number of projects have popped up across North America, including in Toronto. Toronto has the Fatal Light Awareness Program (Flap), a similar project to the one in New York City.
The NYC Audubon program is hoping to save a great percentage of birds from hitting New York City’s numerous skyscrapers through diligent patrols of the city. Volunteers have been checking buildings to ensure that lights are turned out across the city.
