City Officials Urge Residents To Dim Lights On Migratory Bird Day

ST. CHARLES, IL — City officials are encouraging residents to turn off the lights outside their home on May 13 as a way to recognize World Migratory Bird Day.

Migratory birds can get confused by bright lights, and in support of Migratory Bird Day, city officials will also be turning off the colored light at the top of the municipal building tower from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Light pollution attracts and disorients nocturnally migrating birds, making them vulnerable to collisions and other dangers, according to a news release. Artificial light also impacts birds in the breeding and winter seasons, disrupting feeding and other vital behaviors.

The St. Charles Natural Resource Commission encourages St. Charles residents to reduce the amount of light outside their homes, use warm lighting and direct lights down towards the ground instead of up into the sky, according to a news release from the city.

“We hope the St. Charles community will participate in this world awareness event,” said Suzi Myers, natural resources commissioner. “If you can, we ask residents to turn off their lights outside their home for from 7 to 10 p.m. on May 13.”

The overall mission of World Migratory Bird Day is to raise awareness of migratory birds and issues related to their conservation. The campaign highlights the importance of international cooperation and encourages national and local action to protect migratory birds.