How to Keep Birds Safe During Migration Season

Every year, our feathered friends take to the skies on an epic voyage, traversing vast distances during migration season. It's a natural marvel we're lucky to witness right here in LA County!

But did you know that while birds can soar through the sky, they face daunting dangers down below? That's right, up to a billion of our bird buddies in the U.S. lose their lives to window strikes annually, confused by our artificial lights.

Here's how YOU can help: Simply switching off non-essential lights at night makes a world of difference. Studies have shown that this small step can lead to a 60% reduction in bird fatalities. Imagine that—a flick of a switch to save lives!

When is bird migration season in LA County?

In LA County, bird migration lights up our skies twice a year, in spring and fall. During these times, various bird species embark on their remarkable journeys. Spring migration begins in late March and lasts until June, signaling new beginnings. The fall migration, from September to November, sees birds heading to warmer places. The busiest times are April and October, transforming our skies into busy corridors for these flying adventurers.

Your new nightly ritual

Make it your nightly ritual—check the BirdCast dashboard after sunset to see how many birds are flying overhead. Then, ensure your lights are off when the avian parade passes over. By doing so, not only are you acting as a guardian of the skies, but you're also trimming down your energy bill. It's a win-win!

Birds play a crucial role in our ecosystem, and protecting them is protecting the health of our planet. It's our collective responsibility, and the power is quite literally in our hands (and our light switches).

Join us in this simple yet powerful act of kindness. Together, we can create a safer path for our airborne allies. When the sun sets tonight, remember to dim the lights and give a silent cheer for our winged companions voyaging through the starry night. 🌃✨

How you can help

• Turn off: Save energy and boost biodiversity—turn off unnecessary lights at night.

• Check BirdCast: Keep tabs on the migration with a quick glance at the BirdCast dashboard for LA.

• Share the word: Encourage neighbors, friends, and family to join the movement.

Together, we can make a difference—one darkened window at a time.