New York Agencies Urge Residents to Turn Off Lights for Migrating Birds

DEC and OGS launch 'Lights Out' initiative to protect shorebirds and songbirds during spring migration.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:56pm

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A highly structured, abstract painting in muted earth tones featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circular motifs, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex natural forces that guide migratory birds through the night.An abstract visual representation of the intricate migratory pathways and navigational cues that guide millions of birds through New York's night skies each spring.Albany Today

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of General Services (OGS) are asking residents to reduce outdoor lighting from April 15 to May 31 to protect migrating birds. The 'Lights Out' initiative aims to prevent birds from becoming disoriented and fatally colliding with buildings, windows, and other structures due to excessive artificial light.

Why it matters

Millions of shorebirds and songbirds rely on natural celestial cues to navigate their spring migration routes through New York. However, light pollution from buildings and homes can disorient the birds, leading to deadly collisions that threaten their populations. The 'Lights Out' program is a simple way for New Yorkers to support the long-term wellbeing of migratory bird species and the ecosystems they help maintain.

The details

The DEC and OGS have directed all state-owned and managed buildings to turn off non-essential outdoor and indoor lighting, as well as draw window blinds, from 11 p.m. to dawn during the spring migration period. New Yorkers are encouraged to join the effort by minimizing overnight lighting at their homes and properties. According to the National Audubon Society, a single building can disorient and kill hundreds of birds in a single night due to the 'fatal light attraction' phenomenon.

  • The 'Lights Out' initiative runs from April 15 to May 31, 2026.
  • Migrating birds typically pass through New York during the spring migration season.

The players

Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

The New York state agency responsible for environmental protection and natural resource management.

Office of General Services (OGS)

The New York state agency that manages and maintains state government buildings and properties.

Michael Burger

Vice president of the National Audubon Society in New York.

Amanda Lefton

Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

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What they’re saying

“Every spring, an incredible phenomenon unfolds above us — millions of birds navigating invisible flyways through New York's night skies. Yet for many, that journey ends tragically due to something all-too visible: light pollution.”

— Michael Burger, Vice president of the National Audubon Society in New York

“The national Lights Out initiative is a simple way we can help make the spring migration more successful in caring for the long-term well-being of our avian visitors and the important roles all birds play in healthy ecosystems.”

— Amanda Lefton, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

What’s next

The DEC and OGS will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the 'Lights Out' initiative and may adjust the program's dates or scope in future years based on the impact on migrating bird populations.

The takeaway

By simply turning off non-essential outdoor lighting during spring migration, New Yorkers can play a vital role in protecting vulnerable bird species and preserving the ecological balance of the state's natural environments.