“Lights Out” Initiatives

The Conservation Issue

Artificial light at night, especially in major cities, poses a major threat to birds especially during migration.

"Lights Out" Initiatives

Lead Contributor: Ali Bowling, Appalachian Audubon Society

ADOPTED: January 15, 2023

Over the years, reports of major bird mortality events that have occurred in large cities have received widespread news coverage. These events have typically occurred during spring and/or fall migration and have generally been associated with inclement weather conditions. The news coverage associated with these major bird kill events has sometimes led to a significant response in the municipalities where the event occurred.

For example, a major bird mortality event occurred in Philadelphia on October 2, 2020 where an estimated 1,500 birds were killed. This resulted in substantial news coverage in local papers and broadcast media. This led to the founding of “Bird Safe Philly,” a coalition of several conservation partners which subsequently initiated a “Lights Out” effort beginning the following spring migration. The project has continued to expand with participation from building and property managers in communities surrounding the city. Similar “Lights Out” projects have also been established in Pittsburgh and Harrisburg.

“Lights Out” programs were established in many cities across the county and were precedents of the programs in Pennsylvania. Through education and outreach there is potential to expand the “Lights Out” program to many other cities and towns in Pennsylvania. Major cities like Allentown, Erie, Scranton, State College, Williamsport, and Wilkes-Barre, as well as smaller municipalities, can be encouraged to start programs. Guidelines for establishing a “Lights Out” program are available and have proven successful in obtaining initial support and “buy-in.”

“Lights Out” also has the potential to serve as a “gateway” program to address the far more concerning issue of bird mortality that results from collisions with windows, caused mainly or exclusively by glass and other reflective and transparent surfaces. Mortality due to collisions caused by reflective and transparent surfaces is ongoing, year-round, and results in 1.28 – 3.46 billion deaths annually nationwide. These do not benefit from the same media draw as public programs because the bird kills occur in small numbers, but they are very widespread and ongoing. “Lights Out” represents an opportunity as “low hanging fruit.” Municipalities have been “eager” to get on board and want to be part of the “success” experienced by sister cities. It becomes possible to pivot from “Lights Out” programs to campaigns to mitigate bird collisions, caused by glass, and other reflective and transparent surfaces.

Chapter Role
Council Role
Audubon Partner Role
Individual/Member Level
Provide presentations that offer background and information on the impact of artificial light on birds. Reach out through chapter programs to address ways property owners can reduce and manage the use of artificial light.
Provide a platform for chapter-to-chapter sharing on information, handouts, best practices, and approaches used to reach out to members and groups in the communities they serve. Promote the active sharing of programs and presentations.
National Audubon, Dark Skies Association, American Bird Conservancy, and others provide information for individual property owners to follow to reduce exterior lights and lighting.
Community/Municipal Level
Support “lighting provisions” included in model ordinances in municipal building codes, SALDOs, and other local regulations. Seek partners like local astronomy or “Dark Sky” groups who share the goal of reducing artificial light in our communities. Learn from successful efforts such as Lights Out Harrisburg.
Provide workshops and webinars for our Audubon chapters, Pennsylvania Bird Towns, Environmental Advisory Committees, and others to support approaches and campaigns on the local level. Promote opportunities to learn from other initiatives, such as New York City Audubon’s successful effort adopted by New York City Council.
Partners have model ordinances and adopted ordinances that can be emulated or adapted by governing bodies at the local level (ex. WeConservePA). Work with Audubon Bird Friendly Buildings programs.
State/Federal Level
Support “lighting provisions” included in Bird Safe Building Act and promoted by the Dark Skies Association in state BOCA regulations.
Coordinate efforts to reach out and educate our Pennsylvania General Assembly and Congressional delegations when there are opportunities for education and action on the issue. Promote initiatives with the General Assembly that can result in state wide action.
Work with Audubon’s Federal Policy Office to help campaign for cosponsors of the Federal Bird Safe Building Act if/when it is introduced in the 118th Congress. Ensure that there are strong guidelines for artificial light in new and renovated buildings.