Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

NYC Dims Lights for Migrating Birds

Feathered friends confused by the light, scientists believe

By Emily Rauhala,  Newser User

Posted Sep 3, 2010 8:33 AM CDT

(Newser) – The city that never sleeps will be a little less bright through Nov. 1, as buildings hit the lights to protect migrating birds. An estimated 90,000 birds die each year by slamming into buildings in NYC alone; turning lights off can reduce that number by 83%, according to one study. The Empire State and Chrysler buildings have jumped aboard the "lights out" program, run by NYC Audubon, and will turn off their lights from midnight to dawn during the autumn migration, notes the BBC.

The group behind the initiative says bright lights can confuse and disorient migrating birds, including white-throated sparrows, common yellow throats, and ovenbirds. It asks that all high-rise dwellers turn off extra lights, and that late-night workers close the blinds or use desk lamps to protect our feathered friends.


Not-so-bright lights, big city.
Not-so-bright lights, big city.   (Shutterstock)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
My TakeCLICK BELOW TO VOTE
5%
9%
1%
82%
1%
2%
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
cityeyes
Sep 3, 2010 10:26 AM CDT
I want to jump into the mind of the few people who marked this story as "annoying" just to listen to the insanity for a bit. For some reason I think they'd be really terrible people. This is a cool idea and, as others have said, it'd be cool if people followed it year round. Even if the energy savings didn't amount to much, every little bit helps.
bewilderbeast
Sep 3, 2010 10:04 AM CDT
*honk* say, weren't there a bunch of lights here last migration? *honkl* Uh, I dunno, but I think we should go left *honk" No right *honk*
finkster
Sep 3, 2010 9:14 AM CDT
Damn those terrorist birds slamming into buildings all the time.

More Newser Stories

Greenies Dim Bright Lights in Big City

Abu Dhabi to Buy Chrysler Building

Tower Takes 2nd-Tallest NYC Honors

For Sale: Stock in the Empire State Building?

Rising Sea Could Sink Parts of 180 US Cities by 2100


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne