Extension

Many gardeners are looking for ways to attract birds to the landscape, including planting certain plants that provide food and shelter. Birdfeeders and a bird bath are other ways in which gardeners can pique the interest of our feathered friends.

 

It’s the beginning of bird migration season, which means hundreds of species of birds will be making their way from, through or to the state. This is great news for those who enjoy birds in the landscape. However, excessive lights at night from stadiums, stores and homes can be problematic because birds mistake these lights for stars and the moon, which they use to navigate their path. This can disrupt their flight pattern, causing them to become lost and crash into illuminated windows or buildings.

 

To help combat this issue, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is partnering with the Oklahoma Animal Coalition on the Lights Out Oklahoma campaign to raise awareness of this issue. To help combat the problem, individuals and businesses are encouraged to turn off or dim all non-essential lights between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. during peak migration season, which is now through mid-May.

 

In addition to the hazard of crashing into windows and buildings, birds may also end up separated from their mates, offspring or flocks. During this time, they use valuable calories crying out and searching for their family and flock members. Unfortunately, this burns off important fat stores they have built up in anticipation of their migration journey.

 

Homeowners and business owners are encouraged to not only turn off interior lights but also exterior and decorative lighting. In addition, landscape lighting that shines on trees or garden spaces where birds are resting should be turned off. Try to avoid using floodlights, too.

 

Some lighting alternatives include using desk lamps or task lighting indoors as opposed to overhead lights. Another option is to use blinking lighting in place of continuously burning lights. Also, warm light sources appear soft yellow to orange and birds won’t confuse them with the stars and moon.

 

Turning off the lights will also save consumers money by lowering unnecessary energy consumption.