Harrisburg’s MLK City Government Center
Harrisburg is asking residents to take a simple step to help solve a huge issue for migrating birds.
From now through May, the city, along with local bird advocates, are encouraging people to go lights-out at night to prevent bird collisions with buildings and windows.
“What we are asking is for businesses, municipalities and residents to turn off their lights from midnight to 6 a.m.,” explained Ali Bowling, president of the Appalachian Audubon Society.
Bowling explained that, during the night, as birds migrate back north for the season, interior and exterior lights can be very distracting, causing birds to crash into buildings.
According to the National Audubon Society, a national nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to the conservation of birds and their habitats, up to 1 billion birds die each year across the United States colliding with buildings and windows.
Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams said that the city will participate in “Lights Out Harrisburg,” and she invites businesses and residents to do so, as well.
The state Department of General Services plans to turn off lights in 15 buildings in the Capitol Complex during this time, including spotlights on the Capitol dome and lights in the Keystone Building atrium. Strawberry Square will also participate.
“Turning down lights in our tallest buildings will not only protect countless birds, but also save energy and reduce carbon emissions,” said Jason Snyder, the department’s acting deputy secretary for property and asset management. “We’re pleased to partner on the Lights Out initiative and are committed to preserving the safe passage for our friends in the skies.”
Harrisburg will join over 30 cities nationwide for the Lights Out initiative.
In the fall, peak migration will occur between Aug. 15 and Nov. 15 as birds travel south.
“If we can resolve this issue with a simple fix, then why not do it?” Bowling said.
For more information about “Lights Out Harrisburg” or to pledge to participate, visit the Appalachian Audubon Society’s website.
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