Though daytime temperatures on our tropical island are still hovering around 90 degrees, relief is on the way. The days are getting shorter, and before long you may even be reaching for an evening sweater.<\/p>\n
While New Englanders relish their brilliant fall foliage, we on Key Biscayne have other ways to mark the change of seasons that September brings. Parents help their school children adjust to the routine of being back in the classroom, and all of us welcome back the crossing guards who help the kids cross Crandon safely. Runners and walkers start upping their mileage in preparation for this year\u2019s Lighthouse Run on November 14th. Homeowners across the island begin strategizing the best way to string Halloween and Christmas lights on their palm trees. Jewish families celebrate Rosh Hashanah \u2014 the start of a new year.<\/p>\n
September means we are close to the end of another sea turtle nesting season. You\u2019ve got about one more month to look for early-morning hatchling tracks on our beaches. By the end of October, all the baby loggerheads should be on their way out to sea, and the hot pink tape marking their nest sites will be removed.<\/p>\n
For migratory birds, September is a time to be on the move. During the fall migration season, billions of songbirds, shorebirds, and raptors travel from their breeding ranges in the north to tropical wintering grounds in the south. Many travel in flocks, but others fly alone.<\/p>\n
Most avian migration takes place after sunset, and on any given night, thousands of birds are in flight over our island. Like people, some migratory birds spend winter on Key Biscayne. Others travel the Atlantic flyway on their way to the Caribbean islands or South America. For them, Key Biscayne serves as a vital stopover, an oasis where the birds can rest and refuel before their long journey across the water.<\/p>\n
Thanks to ongoing education campaigns, most folks on the Key are likely aware that it\u2019s important to reduce artificial lighting on our beaches during sea turtle nesting season. But did you know artificial lighting is a hazard for nocturnal migrating birds as well?<\/p>\n
Many birds use the stars to navigate. Artificial lighting can be disorienting, causing them to crash into lighted windows or buildings. Birds that avoid those collisions may nevertheless face exhaustion from flying around in confusion.<\/p>\n
The Tropical Audubon Society\u2019s \u201cLights Out Miami\u201d program asks residents and building managers help provide a safe passage for migrating birds by turning off exterior decorative lighting between 11 p.m. and sunrise during the peak spring and fall migration periods (March 15 to May 15, and August 15 to November 15). Residents can also turn off interior lighting at night, especially on upper floors, or close their blinds and drapes. Visit tropicalaudubon.org<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n