Residents of Atlantic Beach are encouraged to turn off non-essential lighting overnight or close indoor curtains to aid in bird migration.
ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. — During the annual migration season for birds like the American robin and Cedar waxwing, there are steps you can take to make their journey easier, and the most impactful is the least obvious: turn off your lights!
The City of Atlantic Beach, which sits along the Atlantic Flyway, announced on Tuesday a new initiative for residents and business owners to participate in to aid migrational birds as they make their way through town.
“Lights Out Atlantic Beach Nights” asks residents to shut off any non-essential lighting from their homes or businesses to “help migratory birds safely navigate the night sky.” The initiative, signed by Atlantic Beach Mayor Curtis Ford, will be held from March 15 to May 15 and from September 15 to November 15.
“In Atlantic Beach, our identity is deeply tied to the health of our maritime forest and coastal environment,” said Interim City Manager Kevin Hogencamp. “By formalizing ‘Lights Out’ nights, the City is taking a common-sense, high-impact step to protect the millions of birds that rely on our canopy as a vital stopover. It’s a small adjustment to our nightly routines that reflects our long-standing collective commitment to environmental stewardship.”
Residents can partake in “Lights Out” by doing the following tips provided by the city:
Turning off decorative or non-essential outdoor lighting overnightUsing motion sensors or timers where lighting is neededClosing blinds or curtains to reduce indoor light shining outsideUsing warmer, shielded lighting when outdoor lights are necessary
“Watching these birds move through our community reminds you that we’re part of something much bigger,” says Amy Franqui, who is a member of the city’s Environmental Stewardship Committee. “Knowing that simply turning off unnecessary lights can help protect birds traveling hundreds or even thousands of miles makes me proud that Atlantic Beach is stepping up to be part of the solution.”