During the fall 2020 migration season, a perfect storm of events led to the tragic deaths of thousands of birds from window strikes. This sorrowful occurrence galvanized a volunteer group called Bird Safe Philly, which is determined to prevent something similar from happening again. Through their Lights Out Philly campaign, the group was able to convince many of the city’s building owners to turn out their lights at night during the spring and fall migration periods. Philadelphia has been participating in the Lights Out program since spring, 2021.
You can help migrating birds make safe passage through our urban jungle by closing your curtains and/or turning off your lights from April 1st through May 31st (for spring migration) and from August 15th to November 15th (for fall migration).
You can learn more about the program here.