Wonders of Bird Migrations, City Lights, and How We Can Help
Written by Sayna Parsi
When it comes to epic journeys, migratory birds are the ultimate world-travelers. Forget road trips and cross-country flights—these feathered friends are all about globe-trotting, and they do it without Google Maps! Every year, millions of birds embark on mind-blowing migrations, traveling thousands of miles to reach their seasonal homes. But as amazing as their journeys are, modern-day obstacles like light pollution are throwing a wrench in the works. Let’s dive into some fascinating facts about bird migration, the impact of city lights on our avian travelers, and what we can all do to help them on their way.
Why Do Birds Migrate?
Migration is more than just a long-distance road trip; it’s a survival strategy. Birds migrate to find food, breed, and escape harsh climates. As seasons change, they move to regions where food is plentiful, the climate is favorable, and breeding conditions are ideal. This incredible journey ensures they have everything they need to thrive, whether it's food, a safe place to raise their young, or a milder winter.
Mind-Blowing Migration Facts: Birds on the Move!
Record-Breaking Flyers: The bar-tailed godwit holds the world record for the longest nonstop migration. This superstar flies from Alaska to New Zealand—a whopping 7,000 miles—without taking a single break for food, water, or rest. They even sleep during their flight. If only they had phones, they’d definitely top the leaderboards on Strava!
Super Navigators: Birds use a combination of the sun, stars, Earth’s magnetic field, and even smell to find their way during migration. It’s like they have built-in GPS, but way cooler.
High-Flyers: Some birds, like the bar-headed goose, are extreme altitude enthusiasts. They fly over the Himalayas at heights of up to 29,000 feet—higher than Mount Everest!
Unexpected Migrants: Think migration is only for exotic birds? Think again! Some of our backyard regulars are seasoned travelers too. The American Robin, often associated with the start of spring, actually migrates. While some stay put if they find enough food, many robins head south for the winter, traveling in large flocks. Another surprise? The tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbird. These little dynamos might be a common sight at your summer feeders, but come fall, they make a solo journey to Central America, flying non-stop across the Gulf of Mexico!
Lights Out, Wings Up: How Light Pollution Affects Migration
Birds have a remarkable sense of direction, but bright city lights can confuse even the most seasoned travelers. Light pollution is a big deal for migrating birds, and here’s why:
Disorientation: Birds often navigate by the moon and stars. Bright artificial lights from cities can disorient them, causing them to circle endlessly, exhaust themselves, or even crash into buildings.
Timing is Everything: Light pollution can also mess with a bird’s internal clock, leading them to migrate too early or too late, missing crucial windows for food and rest.
Dangerous Pit Stops: Confused by city lights, birds might land in urban areas where food and safe resting spots are scarce. This can lead to increased stress and lower survival rates.
Bright Ideas: How Cities Are Helping Birds Navigate
Cities around the world are waking up to the fact that light pollution is a serious problem for migratory birds. Here are some brilliant (but not too bright!) solutions:
Lights Out Campaigns: Cities like Chicago, New York, and Phoenix have embraced “Lights Out” programs, encouraging businesses and residents to dim or turn off unnecessary lights during peak migration seasons. Not only does this save energy, but it also gives birds a clearer path to follow—and as a bonus, it makes it possible to see stars that otherwise would be invisible due to light pollution.
Bird-Friendly Building Designs: Some cities are getting creative with architecture. Buildings with bird-friendly glass, bird-tape on windows, or using shades and curtains help minimize the risk of collisions. In fact, cities like San Francisco have guidelines for bird-safe building design.
Sky Glow Awareness: Raising awareness about “sky glow”—the brightening of the night sky by artificial light—has prompted communities to reduce unnecessary lighting. This means more stars for us to gaze at and safer journeys for our feathered friends!
How You Can Help: Become a Bird Migration Ally
You don’t need to be an architect or city planner to help birds on their migration journeys. Here’s how you can pitch in:
Dim Indoor Lights: Use curtains or blinds to keep indoor light from spilling outside, especially during migration seasons (spring and fall). If you work, you can also connect with your office building's facilities department to ensure that your office uses timer-based lights that turn off at night.
Reduce Outdoor Lights: Use motion sensors so lights only activate when needed, add light caps to direct light toward the ground, and dim lights wherever possible.
Spread the Word: The more people know about the impact of light pollution, the better. Share this post, talk to your HOA, neighbors, and facilities team at work, and support local initiatives to reduce light pollution.
Bird migrations are one of nature’s most incredible spectacles, and by making a few simple changes, we can help ensure these journeys remain safe and successful for generations to come. So let’s flip the switch, plant some greenery, and be the wingmen (and women | people) our feathered friends need!