By Laura Bush
1:30 AM on March 14th, 2021
Guidelines for how building owners and regular Texans can reduce lighting to prevent bird crashes.
Guidelines for everyone
● Turn off all nonessential lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night.
● Do not use landscape lighting to illuminate trees or gardens where birds may be resting.
● For essential lights (like security lighting) use the following dark skies-friendly lighting practices:
○ Aim lights down.
○ Use lighting shields to direct light downward and to avoid light shining into the sky or trees.
○ Use motion detectors and sensors, so lights are only on when you need them.
○ Close blinds at night to reduce the amount of light emitted from household windows.
Guidelines for buildings taller than 3 stories
● Extinguish or dim exterior and decorative lighting (i.e., spotlights, logos, clock faces, greenhouses and antenna lighting); lobby and atrium lighting; and lighting in perimeter rooms on all levels of the building.
● Avoid the following: using floodlights; illuminating interior plants or fountains and unoccupied floors; scheduling cleaning crews after dark; and emitting blue-rich white light.
● Use desk lamps or task lighting rather than overhead lights; blinking lighting in place of continuously burning lights; and warm light sources for outdoor lighting.
For more information and to get involved, visit birdcast.info/science-to-action/lights-out or email info@texanbynature.org