Flip the Switch for Wildlife

As the crisp air of autumn settles in, something extraordinary is happening above us—thousands of birds are embarking on their fall migration, traveling under the cover of night and guided by the stars. It's a breathtaking natural phenomenon, and Fayette County is right in the flight path. At peak times, over a million birds may pass overhead in a single night. Incredible, isn’t it?

But here’s the catch: light pollution is turning their journey into a perilous one. Artificial lights can disorient migrating birds, leading to fatal collisions and exhausting detours. The good news? We can help.

During migration season, simply turning off your outdoor lights at night can make a world of difference. If you need lighting, consider switching to Dark Skies-approved fixtures and bulbs.

Here are a few easy changes you can make:

• Swap out bright white bulbs for warmer tones—reds and yellows are gentler on birds.
• Use downward-facing lights with shields to prevent light from spilling into the sky.
• Set timers or motion sensors so lights aren’t on all night unnecessarily.

I’ve personally replaced my porch lights with yellow bulbs and added covers to direct the glow downward. It’s a small change, but one that helps protect our feathered travelers.

Feeders & Rest Stops: Welcoming Migrants
If you’re someone who enjoys feeding birds during the winter, now’s a great time to start back up. Migrating birds need places to rest and refuel during the day, and your backyard could become a vital pit stop. You might even spot species you don’t normally see—an exciting bonus for any bird lover.

Want to know what’s flying overhead tonight? Check out BirdCast, a fascinating tool that tracks nightly migration numbers. It’s awe-inspiring to see just how many birds are on the move.

Spread the Word—Every Light Turned Off Counts
Let’s make Fayette County a safe passage for our avian neighbors. Share this message with friends and family and encourage them to join the effort. Together, we can turn off the lights and turn up our impact.

 Thank you for caring,

Carol Spence
Master Naturalist
Bob O Link Resident