Doylestown Township Turning "Lights Out" For Migratory Birds

DOYLESTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — Doylestown Township is the latest community in the United States to turn its "Lights Out" for migratory birds.

The Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors have joined the growing "Lights Out" movement, which is aimed at creating safer flyways for migrating birds as they travel between their nesting and wintering grounds.

As part of the "Lights Out" initiative, the township is encouraging property owners to reduce the amount of light coming from their properties between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the seasonal bird migration. The reduction in light will assist the migrating birds, which use the night sky to navigate and can be disoriented by light pollution.

"By participating in 'Lights Out,' Doylestown Township will help ensure one of nature’s greatest wonders continues unimpeded and that birds can continue their journey in the sky smoothly," said township leaders.

The migration takes place between April 1 and May 31 and again between August 15 and November 15.

More than 50 cities across the Commonwealth are participating in the program, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg.

Doylestown Township is located on the Atlantic Flyway, one of the nation's four Migration Flyways. Birds typically fly along established flyways offering birds ample opportunities to rest and refuel during their lengthy journey.

Doylestown Township is asking that residents implement reduced lighting plans with orange or red bulbs or by turning off outside lights during the Lights Out hours.

What You Can Do At Home

Community members and building managers can help migratory birds with these simple tips:

• Turn off non-essential lights
• Turn off or dim lobby and atrium lights
• Turn off or dim interior home lighting
• Turn off lights before leaving the home or office
• Draw blinds and close curtains
• Ensure outside lights are aimed down and well shielded
• Install motion sensors on outside lights to minimize use
• Share our message with family and friends, using hashtag #LightsOutforBirds