CAS President Judy Pollock was recently quoted in two publications about Fall migration and the importance of turning off lights during this critical time for birds.
Chicago Tribune: 30 million migrating birds were predicted to fly over Illinois on Thursday night. Friday could be a good day for birding
“They’re attracted to cities,” Pollock said. “And cities are where we have windows and glass, which birds really don’t understand and will smack into. So it’s a big problem for birds. The light really, really disrupts their migration.”
Luckily, Pollock said, Chicago has the Lights Out program, which recommends tall buildings go dark after 11 p.m. during migratory seasons.”
WTTW News: Massive Wave of Migrating Birds Will Pass Over Chicago In Coming Nights, So Dim Your Lights
“For years, the Chicago Audubon Society has partnered with the Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago on a “Lights Out Chicago” program that’s been extremely successful, Pollock said.
Throughout the migratory seasons — the fall season started in July for shore birds and will likely run through early November — buildings cut down on their decorative lighting and follow other guidelines, including extinguishing or dimming lobby lighting, and minimizing lighting in all perimeter rooms.
“They are following that advice,” Pollock said of the city’s tall building owners, particularly downtown. “Absolutely they do it every night during migration. They’ve been very good.”
Residents have a role to play as well, she said.
Pollock compared “lights out” to recycling: Switching off your porch light is the equivalent of recycling a plastic bottle. Every little bit helps.”
Photo: Bright downtown lights illuminate the Chicago River in June. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)