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Toronto’s Lights Out Initiative Aims to Protect Migratory Birds

This spring, the City of Toronto is taking action to protect migratory birds as they pass through the city. With over 25 million birds anticipated to migrate this season, city officials are urging both residents and businesses to turn off unnecessary nighttime lighting to reduce the risk of fatal window collisions.

The initiative, known as the Lights Out Toronto campaign, is active during two main migration periods: from mid-March to early June and again from mid-August to early November. Its goal is to enhance safety for these birds during their stopover in the city.

“Night-migrating birds are attracted to city lights, which can lead them into urban settings where they often collide with windows, resulting in fatalities,” the campaign warns. Toronto’s location along Lake Ontario positions it as a crucial rest area for migratory birds, yet window collisions are a significant threat, with estimates indicating that between 16 to 42 million birds die each year due to these accidents, according to the Government of Canada.

Bright city lights, although harmless to humans, pose a lethal risk to avian species. To combat this issue, the city has outlined straightforward measures residents can take to mitigate light pollution. These include turning off non-essential lights, closing curtains at night, limiting decorative and atrium lighting, and avoiding strobe lights when possible.

Many migratory bird species in North America are experiencing population declines, exacerbated by factors such as habitat destruction, climate change, pesticide usage, and building collisions. The City of Toronto highlights that window strikes are among the leading causes for the reduction of three billion birds in North America since 25 years ago, according to organizations like FLAP Canada (Fatal Light Awareness Program).

Since 2006, Toronto has been at the forefront of implementing bird-friendly policies, requiring new constructions to adopt safer lighting solutions and the use of bird-safe glass designs. The campaign also provides guidance for those who may encounter injured or stunned birds, advising to gently place them in a box or paper bag lined with tissue and to reach out to the Toronto Wildlife Centre for assistance.

With warmer weather on the horizon, participating in this initiative could make a significant difference, allowing millions of birds to navigate their migration safely. A simple act of turning off lights at night could brighten the path for these vital members of our ecosystem.

Source
globalnews.ca