Lights Out! Cats In!

One of the ways that our community can be more bird-friendly is by taking part in the national Lights Out effort. 

WNY YBC Mentor Alex Sidare estimates 700,000 to over 2.5 million birds die annually in WNY alone from residential window collisions. When commercial buildings are included in estimates, this would at least double. Recent research suggests these numbers may be underestimates. Light pollution doesn't just harm birds either - it plays a huge role in our ecology! Adopting this practice here in WNY is particularly important as our region is a central place for migratory birds moving through our Niagara River Corridor Globally Significant Important Bird Area. In WNY, we have a particular responsibility for the impact of light pollution given our region's history in being "The City of Light" - one of the first places to have electricity in the world! 

We also call attention to the role of outdoor cats in bird mortality annually with a staggering estimate of 1-4 BILLION birds killed by cats in the U.S. alone each year. And like window collisions, this is likely an underestimate. Research also suggests that staying indoors is better for your cat's health too! Read more at https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/faq-outdoor-cats-and-their-effects-on-birds.

For these reasons, we as you to join us in saying

 LIGHTS OUT, CATS IN! 

What can you do to help?

1. Visit BirdCast to see peak migration times when these actions are most important but consider adopting them year-round to protect our local birds as well as those visiting on their migration journey! 

2. Turn off all non-essential (don’t compromise safety!) exterior lighting and close window blinds between 10:00 pm and dawn from April 15-May 31 and August 15-November 15! 

3. Consider bird-friendly window treatments. Examples include:

   • Feather Friendly products from DIY markers & tape to professional installations for homes & companies 

   • DIY paracord Zen curtain

   • Get creative with window markers!

4. Keep outdoor cats inside at least during peak times of bird activity and consider creating a catio for your pet!

5. Encourage your neighbors, schools, local businesses, and communities to adopt these practices (here is a sample letter adapted from National Audubon’s resources - also see https://birdcast.info/science-to-action/lights-out/)

What to do when you find:

• A dead bird: report to https://dbird.org/ and https://www.birdmapper.org/ 

• An injured bird

  • See https://flap.org/finding-an-injured-bird/ for information

  • In WNY, contact Messinger Woods