Ohio Lights Out focuses on reducing light pollution during bird migration
Feb. 28—LIMA — Collision deaths account for approximately 10 percent of bird deaths in the U.S. each year.
Over 1 billion birds are killed due to collisions with buildings, largely caused by increased light pollution during the night, and glass windows that reflect the environment during the day during migration seasons.
Millions of birds migrate through Ohio on their way to and from breeding grounds during the spring and fall. While birds migrate at night, excessive lighting in urban areas can disorient them and draw them into buildings, striking windows and circling buildings. The Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative encourages the public to turn off any unnecessary lighting throughout the night from March 15 to June 1 during the spring, and from August 15 to November 15 during the fall.
"Glass is one of those major threats to migratory birds. A bird flying approximately 30 miles per hour sees this ultra reflective glass facade that illuminates the trees and the sky, they think they're flying into a safe space," said Ohio Lights Out Coordinator Devin Mingesbruney.
A large portion of the estimated 400 species of birds that make Ohio home at some point during the year are migratory. As birds migrate north in the springtime, similar to a cross-country road trip that requires fuel stops, they often use Ohio as a stopover ground to refuel and gain energy before continuing their journey.
Birds play an integral role in the environment. Not only do they help pollinate flowers that radiate spring colors, take care of pests such as mosquitos, and provide seed dispersal, they also are enjoyed and studied by nearly 100 million people in the U.S.
"We have over 96 million birders in the U.S. today. That's more than three out of every ten adults," said Mingesbruney.
Bird watching can lead to increased mental health, whether it's in the backyard or while exercising throughout the community.
"You can do it as a social activity or on your own," said Daniel Hodges, Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District naturalist. "There's so many good things that are happening, cognitive things, physical exercise, mental health, there's lots of reasons why watching birds is good for you."
The Ohio Lights Out campaign works with building managers to adapt the building's lighting and suggest glass modifications to reduce dangers.
"Not only is this cost effective for a business to reduce their overall light emittance, but it also will help to reduce this light emittance across the landscape, which will give our birds a better chance of making it to their migratory path," said Mingesbruney.
Lights Out programs provide an opportunity to reduce the number of collision-related deaths. Cities such as Chicago, New York City, Indianapolis, and Minneapolis have participated in reducing light pollution throughout the night during the migration seasons.
Homeowners and business owners can make windows better identifiable for birds by placing visible markers such as feather friendly tape, strings, cables, or screen netting, or by choosing frosted, etched, or glass blocks for construction instead of clear or reflective glass.
For more information about Ohio Lights Out, visit https://bit.ly/3QCHU6P.
Devin Mingesbruney can be reached via email at mingesbruney.1@osu.edu.
Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351
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