San Diego County, an area home to one of the most diverse bird species, is taking a bold step towards the welfare of migratory birds by launching a fresh lights-out campaign titled, "Lights Out, San Diego!" According to a CBS 8 article, the campaign aims to tackle the issue of light pollution disturbing millions of birds as they migrate through the region, and raises awareness about the need to switch off non-essential lights during peak migration hours.
With San Diego County's strategic location on the Pacific Flyway, numerous birds migrate through its skies each year. In the spring migration of last year alone, a staggering 67 million birds flew through the area. The "Lights Out, San Diego!" initiative urges everyone in the community to turn off non-essential lights at night, specifically between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., ensuring a smoother and safer journey for these migratory birds.
Many might not realize that 80% of birds migrate during nighttime hours. The impact of light pollution on these feathered travelers is substantial, as studies cited by the San Diego Audubon Society indicate that bright urban lights can cause disorientation, exhaustion, and even lead to fatal collisions with buildings. Even prey-predator relations and food sources for birds can be negatively affected by artificial light exposure.
A notable 2022 US State of the Birds report highlights the significant loss of nearly 1 in 4 breeding birds in the US and Canada in the past five decades, accounting for a tragic loss of approximately 3 billion birds. In fact, it's estimated that between 365 million and 988 million birds die in the US annually due to collisions with buildings. A heartbreaking example occurred in Texas, when a single skyscraper killed 400 migratory birds in just one night in 2017, as reported by CBS 8.
Andrew Meyer, Director of Conservation at the San Diego Audubon Society, points out that excessive lighting in sensitive areas like shorelines and preserves can not only cause confusion among different bird species, but may also lead to the undesirable separation of flocks. The "Lights Out, San Diego!" campaign thus calls on citizens to help prevent these potentially devastating effects during peak migration periods.
Locals can show their support for the initiative by taking the "Lights Out, San Diego!" Pledge, as found on the San Diego Audubon Society's website. Pledging to participate simply involves turning off non-essential lights during migration seasons, and reporting any dead bird sightings using the iNaturalist platform. By signing up, residents can help minimize the impact of light pollution in their communities and make a significant difference in reducing bird mortality during migration.
Beyond simply turning off lights, campaign supporters can promote the cause on social media using the hashtag #LightsOutSanDiego, and even engage with their Homeowners' Associations, building managers, schools, and employers to expand the reach of the campaign to larger communities.
