Tulsa Audubon Society Asks Residents to Turn Off Lights for Bird Migration

The local birding group hopes to help migrating birds by reducing light pollution during peak season.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:07am

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An abstract, geometric illustration depicting a flock of stylized bird silhouettes in flight against a night sky filled with glowing celestial orbs and intersecting waveforms, conveying the complex natural forces guiding migratory birds.A community-driven effort to reduce light pollution aims to guide migrating birds safely through the night sky.Today in Tulsa

The Tulsa Audubon Society is urging local residents to turn off non-essential outdoor lights between 11 PM and 6 AM until May 31st to assist birds migrating through the area. The group's president, Mary Jackson, explains that bright lights can disorient birds using the stars and moon to navigate, putting them at risk. As part of the central flyway, Oklahoma serves as an important stopover for many species during spring and fall migrations.

Why it matters

Reducing light pollution is a simple way for communities to support migratory bird populations, which have declined significantly in recent decades due to habitat loss and other human impacts. The Tulsa Audubon Society's request aligns with broader conservation efforts to make cities more bird-friendly and protect vulnerable species.

The details

The Tulsa Audubon Society is asking residents to turn off any non-essential outdoor lighting, such as porch lights, floodlights, and decorative landscape lighting, between the hours of 11 PM and 6 AM until the end of May. This period coincides with peak spring migration when many bird species travel north to their breeding grounds. Bright artificial lights can disorient birds and cause them to collide with buildings or become exhausted, putting their survival at risk.

  • Peak bird migration season just started in the Tulsa area.
  • The Audubon Society's request is in effect until May 31st.

The players

Mary Jackson

The president of the Tulsa Audubon Society, a local birding organization that is leading the effort to reduce light pollution during migration.

Tulsa Audubon Society

A local chapter of the National Audubon Society that promotes bird conservation and education in the Tulsa, Oklahoma region.

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What they’re saying

“Birds migrate at night using the stars and the moon.”

— Mary Jackson, President, Tulsa Audubon Society

“We're part of the central flyaway. So birds, as they're migrating further up north, or up into Canada, they will use Oklahoma as a stop over. And so they're looking for safe places to land at night to rest and recuperate.”

— Mary Jackson, President, Tulsa Audubon Society

“It would be a very sad world without birds.”

— Mary Jackson, President, Tulsa Audubon Society

What’s next

The Tulsa Audubon Society hopes residents will continue to keep their outdoor lights off during peak migration periods each spring and fall to support local bird populations.

The takeaway

By taking a simple step to reduce light pollution, Tulsa residents can play a meaningful role in protecting migratory birds that pass through the region. This community-driven conservation effort aligns with broader initiatives to make cities more bird-friendly and support vulnerable species.