Starting next week, saving migrating birds is as easy as flipping a switch.
From the start of April to the end of May, the Appalachian Audubon Society is encouraging Harrisburg residents and businesses to turn off their lights at night to prevent bird collisions with buildings and windows.
The initiative, Lights Out Harrisburg, asks community members to turn off or dim exterior and interior lights during the migratory season’s overnight hours, from 12 to 6 a.m.
According to Audubon society officials, as birds migrate north for the season during the night, lights can be distracting and cause birds to crash into buildings. According to the National Audubon Society, up to 1 billion birds die each year across the United States by colliding with buildings and windows.
Harrisburg will join over 40 other cities across the country for Lights Out.
The initiative will take place again from Aug. 15 to Nov. 15, during the return migratory season.
Partners for the program include the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Department of General Services, PA Game Commission, Harristown Enterprises, Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District, National Audubon Society, Wyncote Audubon Society and West Shore Wildlife Center.
To learn more about Lights Out Harrisburg, visit the Appalachian Audubon Society’s website.
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