Did you know that most birds migrate at night? They often use the moon, stars, and sun to navigate. Light pollution can interfere with these signals and cause a serious problem for birds: they might be thrown off course or become so disoriented that they circle until they fall to exhaustion or collide with buildings. You can help with just a flick of a switch – plus you’ll save money on energy costs!
- Turn off lights at night on unoccupied floors and in unused spaces.
- Close curtains and blinds.
- Turn off exterior floodlights during bird migration season.
- Opt for shielded lighting that directs lights downward.
- Try using task lighting at your workstation instead of overhead lights if you’re working late.
Be part of the solution – learn more about Lights Out Texas today.
Subscribe to local Lights Out Action Alerts
Fall Migration 2025: How You Can Help Migrating Birds
- Please turn out all non-essential lights from 11 pm – 6 am every night March 1 – June 30 and August 15 – November 30. Peak migration, when the highest concentration of birds are migrating, is April 22 – May 12 in the spring and September 5 – October 29 in the fall.
- Report dead or injured bird sightings
Recent press:
- The Birds-Safe Building Movement Continues to Grow
- Lights Out on CBS News
- Lights Out Texas Documentary
- Birders ask high-rises to dim lights
- Austin bird initiative takes flight
- Volunteers search for dead birds in downtown Austin during fall migration season
- City Of Austin Considers Turning Off Lights To Help Migrating Birds
- ‘Lights Out’: Austin businesses to turn off lights overnight to save migrating birds
- Laura Bush: Texans, turn out the lights at night to help migratory birds
Lights Out, Texas! Curriculum Available for Grades 3-8
In both the 3rd-5th grade and 6th-8th grade curricula, students explore how artificial light and reflective glass impact migratory birds and broader ecological systems. Through hands-on activities, they investigate how disruptions affect biodiversity and ecosystem energy flow. Thanks to the dedication of Defenders of Wildlife, Texas Conservation Alliance, and Travis Audubon, this curriculum is now free and available for educators across Texas. Fill out the form to download the curriculum today!
Play the Lights Out, Texas Game
Audubon Texas, Defenders of Wildlife, Texas Conservation Alliance, and Travis Audubon sponsored the creation of a digital story game about bird migration! Players can learn about the impacts of light pollution and urban development on migrating birds as they navigate building a city that is beneficial for both people and wildlife. Follow the link in our bio for the game or visit ForTheBirds.neocities.org
Full play time: 10-15 Minutes
Lights Out, Texas! Lesson for Kids inside the Spring 2025 Issue of Maritimus Magazine:
Yard sign printing is currently on pause. If you want to be the first to know if/when we reprint, click the image to fill out the form:
Your Membership contribution will make you a partner in Travis Audubon’s mission to promote the enjoyment, understanding and conservation of native birds & their habitats.