Help Protect Birds During Migration: Join Lights Out Oregon!

Lights Out Lloyd image featuring bird flying pass the moon
September 12, 2024

By Kristin Leiber

, ,

As fall migration peaks, millions of birds will traverse the skies over Portland. From September 19 to October 19, we have a critical opportunity to help these nighttime travelers on their journey by participating in Lights Out Oregon. By taking simple steps—whether you’re a resident or manage a building—you can ensure safer skies for birds and support a healthier environment for all.

What Can You Do?

Turn off unnecessary outdoor lighting between 11:00 PM and dawn and close blinds or curtains to reduce light spill. This small action does more than protect birds—it benefits a wide range of wildlife, including mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and even plants. Plus, it enhances human well-being, as light pollution disrupts sleep patterns and contributes to unsafe glare for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers.

In addition, reducing light pollution:

  • Conserves energy and saves money
  • Cuts carbon emissions
  • Promotes sustainability
  • Preserves the beauty of the night sky

Make a pledge to reduce your light pollution impact and be part of this collective effort!

Calling All Buildings: Join the Movement

Lloyd EcoDistrict is proud to partner with the Bird Alliance of Oregon to encourage property owners and managers to participate in Lights Out Oregon. Buildings can make a big difference by:

  • Turning off rooftop and exterior architectural lighting
  • Dimming or switching off lobby and atrium lights
  • Using motion sensors for interior lighting in unoccupied spaces
  • Asking tenants to close blinds or curtains

While safety and security lighting is essential, reducing unnecessary skyglow helps us all achieve our energy-saving and sustainability goals. It’s a powerful way to lower costs, minimize energy usage, and support the safe migration of birds across our skies.

Bird-Safe Lighting: A Simple Upgrade with Big Impact

Looking to go further in protecting migrating birds? Consider upgrading your lighting to bird-safe LEDs. Modern LEDs are not only energy-efficient, but they also come with features that protect birds and improve human health.

Here’s what to look for in bird-safe lighting:

  • Color Temperature: Choose lighting below 2700k (warmer tones). Cool, blue lights mimic the stars and disorient birds, but warmer lighting is less intrusive and better for human circadian rhythms.
  • Intensity: Opt for appropriately bright lights. Extremely bright lights can cause glare for people and disorient birds.
  • Directionality: Use well-shielded lights that focus downward. There’s no need to illuminate the sky—we should be able to find our way while preserving our view of the stars.

Switching to bird-safe LED lighting is an easy step that makes a huge difference for both wildlife and energy consumption. And Lloyd EcoDistrict’s LED Advantage Member Program (LAMP)) is here to help businesses upgrade their lighting, ensuring it’s bird-friendly, energy-efficient, and cost-saving.

Act Now Before Migration Ends!

To find out more about how LAMP can help you prepare your building for the fall migration season, reach out to our team today. Together, we can make Portland a safer place for birds while enhancing our environmental and energy goals.