OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — A new initiative spearheaded by the Oklahoma City Zoo is encouraging residents to reduce light pollution in a bid to help migrating birds safely navigate through the state. The effort, called “Lights Out Oklahoma,” seeks to minimize unnecessary exterior lighting during spring and fall migrations, with the goal of reducing the disorienting effects bright lights can have on birds in flight.
As one of the primary migration corridors for North American birds, Oklahoma becomes a crucial stopover for species traveling between their breeding grounds in the north and their winter homes in the south. With spring migration approaching, beginning on April 15 and lasting through May 15, the timing for this initiative couldn’t be more critical.
Greg Heanue, Chief Marketing Officer of the Oklahoma City Zoo, emphasized the importance of turning off or dimming exterior lights during peak migration times. “This effort is aimed at turning off unnecessary lights to help migrating birds as they pass through our state,” Heanue said. “It’s a simple yet effective way to make a big difference.”
While some may be hesitant to turn off all their outdoor lights, experts offer simple alternatives. Inger Giuffrida, Executive Director of Wildcare Oklahoma, explained that homeowners can simply shield their lights so they only shine downward, reducing light pollution without completely eliminating the necessary illumination. “No one needs to protect anything coming from the sky,” Giuffrida said.
The initiative doesn’t just focus on residential areas; it extends to the bright lights found in downtown Oklahoma City. With landmarks like the Paycom Center, the Devon Tower, and the top of the First National Building often illuminated late into the night, the goal is not to eliminate these lights altogether but to turn them off after 11 p.m. This would allow the lights to remain on for those who enjoy the nightscape but reduce their impact on birds once most people are asleep.
Giuffrida explained that even small changes in lighting could have a significant impact. “Turning off the stadium lights and building lights after 11 p.m. would make an enormous difference in helping migrating birds stay on course,” she said.
The initiative also offers additional benefits, including energy conservation. By reducing the use of unnecessary lighting, residents and businesses can help reduce energy consumption during a time when many people are seeking ways to lower their carbon footprints.
As spring migration approaches, “Lights Out Oklahoma” aims to rally the community around a simple but effective cause—protecting migratory birds while reducing energy waste. The initiative serves as a reminder that small, collective actions can lead to positive environmental change, benefiting both wildlife and the planet.
For those interested in participating, the Oklahoma City Zoo encourages everyone to join the movement by turning off or shielding unnecessary exterior lights during the migration season. Together, the city can make a real difference in helping birds find their way home.
