Spring migration is underway across Oklahoma, with millions of birds traveling north during overnight flights. Wildlife experts say bright city lights can confuse birds and increase the risk of deadly collisions with buildings and homes.
Peak migration runs from mid-April through mid-May, according to Oklahoma State University ecology professor Dr. Tim O’Connell. Conservation groups are encouraging residents to go “lights out” during overnight hours to help birds safely reach their destinations.
Here are five ways experts say people can help migrating birds this season:
1. Turn off nonessential outdoor lights overnight
Experts recommend switching off unnecessary outdoor lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. during migration season. Birds use the moon and stars to navigate, and artificial light can pull them off course.
2. Use warmer colored lights
Dr. O’Connell says warmer-toned lighting is less disruptive to birds than bright white or blue lights commonly used outdoors.
3. Keep cats indoors
Bird experts say cats are a major threat to migrating birds, especially when exhausted birds stop to rest in neighborhoods and suburban areas.
4. Plant native plants
Native plants can provide food, shelter and resting areas for birds traveling long distances during migration.
5. Help make cities more bird-friendly
Dr. O’Connell says urban areas can play a major role in bird survival during migration.
“That’s where most of them are dying actually is when they’re passing through the cities, so let’s make our cities and our suburban areas more hospitable to birds and then we’ll have more of them survive to do what they need to do in the forests, in the grasslands, once they finally get to their destination,” O’Connell said.
What’s next?
Peak migration across Oklahoma will continue through mid-May as birds travel north for the spring season. Experts say even small changes by residents can help reduce bird deaths during the busiest migration weeks.
