World Migratory Bird Day is about celebrating some of the most well-travelled creatures on our planet—birds!
Our love of birds comes with a responsibility to act in their defence. Bird populations are in decline and their habitats are in peril. This year's World Migratory Bird Day theme aims to address the impacts of light pollution on migratory birds as it poses increased risk of window strikes due to reflective light. It is up to all of us to ensure we are doing all we can to mitigate threats to our wild bird populations as well as protecting the lands that are so essential in keeping birds safe and healthy throughout their annual migrations.
Below are some helpful ideas that you can implement on your own property.
1. Reduce the amount of light outside your home and consider treating your windows. Turn off all non-essential nighttime lights. For essential lights, such as security lighting, use timers or motion detectors to keep usage to a minimum. Always use the minimum wattage necessary.
2. Change the colour of your lights from cooler tones to warm lighting. Studies suggest that green and blue light attracts more nocturnally migrating birds than red, orange, or yellow light. Use light bulbs that emit warm lighting to minimise disturbance to birds.
3. Direct lighting downward. Place lights towards the floor or ground and use lighting shields to prevent escaping light to be emitted into the sky
4. Share the message to “dim the lights for birds at night.” Share these messages through social media and with your community to increase awareness of this important issue by hosting a World Migratory Bird Day event
For more information visit https://www.birdday.ca/