As spring migration season begins, Dallas is taking significant steps to protect the millions of migratory birds that pass through the city.
The "Lights Out, DFW" initiative, part of a broader statewide campaign, encourages residents and businesses to turn off non-essential lights between sunset and sunrise to help birds navigate safely during their nocturnal journeys.
Dallas sits in the Central Flyway, a major migratory route for birds traveling from Central and South America to their breeding grounds in North America.
However, city lights pose a significant threat to these birds, as they can become disoriented and collide with buildings. According to Audubon Texas, as many as one billion birds die each year in the U.S. due to building collisions.
The "Lights Out, DFW" program, supported by local organizations such as the Dallas Zoo and the Perot Museum, aims to reduce these fatalities by raising awareness and encouraging simple actions to make the city safer for birds.
The program's guidelines include turning off non-essential lights, using motion detectors for necessary lighting, and closing blinds at night to minimize light pollution.
The migratory period began March 1 and continues through much of June.
The peak migration period in Dallas is from April 22 to May 12, and residents are urged to participate in the initiative during this critical time.
By dimming lights, Dallas hopes to provide a safer passage for the hundreds of thousands of birds that travel through the city each night.
For more information on how to participate in the "Lights Out, DFW" initiative, visit the Texas Conservation Alliance or here.
Stay tuned for more updates on this important conservation effort! 🐦✨
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