Lights Out, Fort Worth! Peak bird migration is here

It’s that time of year that birds, from across the globe, are making their migratory journeys back for spring. Hundreds of millions of those birds migrate through the state of Texas, with many passing through the DFW Metroplex.

Why it’s important: To make their journey safer, all Texans are encouraged to turn off nonessential lights, both business and residential, at night from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. during their spring migration, March 1-June 15 — especially during the peak migration period, April 22-May 12.

Migration periods

Spring migration: March 1-June 15

Critical peak migration: April 22-May 12

Protect migratory birds

The goal of the Lights Out initiative is to protect billions of birds as they migrate across the United States — one of the largest migrations on the planet and one that occurs primarily at night. Lights from buildings, especially in urban areas, attract and disorient migrating birds, confusing and exhausting them and making them vulnerable to collisions with buildings. The simple action of turning off lights dramatically reduces hazards and disorientation by light, allowing birds to safely proceed with their migratory journeys.

The City of Fort Worth is committed to protecting birds and to saving energy as well. Participating in this initiative is a great way do to both. Residents and businesses, not just downtown, can reduce light pollution at night for a few hours to support this effort.

Learn more about bird migration

These actions are taken to support the Lights Out initiative, headed by the National Audubon Society and Texan by Nature. Learn more from the National Audubon Society website.

Bird lovers can also monitor how many migrants will be traveling through the area using the BirdCast website.

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