Can Indiana & Kentucky Go Dark to Save Migrating Birds?

This article was originally published on March 3, 2025.

It's officially spring! Flowers have started popping up, leaves will spread, and the birds will make their migration back home.

Migrating Birds and Light Pollution

Unfortunately, many birds won't make it due to light pollution. In fact, out of the billions of birds that migrate each year, about a billion won't make it due to light pollution. "More than an estimated one billion birds are killed annually from direct collisions with illuminated buildings, towers, and other structures across the country." -audubon.org

Read More: Hummingbirds Are Coming and You Can Help Track the Migration

Photo by Siegfried Poepperl on Unsplash

Most Birds Migrate at Night

I didn't realize it but many birds like geese, ducks, and songbirds actually migrate at night due to fewer predators, a more stable atmosphere, cooler temperatures, and they even use the moon and stars to navigate their long journeys. If you listen at night, you can actually hear them. They call each other during flight, especially during inclement weather to stay near their flock.

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Turn Off the Lights & Sign the Petition

Turning off spotlights and/or decorative lighting
Turning off interior lights when leaving a room or drawing blinds/shades
Using down-shielded lighting outdoors
Adding timers and/or motion sensors to outdoor lighting, where possible

You can even sign their pledge right here.

Southern Indiana Photographer Captures Hoosier Birds

Southern Indiana Photographer, Ron Harper, captures photographs of native birds that are both stunning and almost magical. His photographs showcase the natural beauty of the birds in our neck of the woods. From action shots in midflight to beautiful portraits, these photos will give you a new appreciation for the feathered wildlife in Indiana.