The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of General Services (OGS) remind New Yorkers to take action to help protect migrating birds as they navigate night skies by participating in the ‘Lights Out’ initiative. According to the 2025 State of the Birds Report from the North American Bird Conservation Initiative, migratory birds continue to experience widespread population declines. Joining national and international efforts, State buildings participating in Lights Out will keep certain non-essential outdoor lighting from affecting the ability of birds to migrate successfully throughout New York.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “DEC is proud to join our New York State partners to lead by example and take actions to help reduce bird collisions. The national Lights Out initiative is a simple way New York State agencies and New Yorkers can protect wildlife and ecosystems and help a variety of bird species have a safe, successful migratory journey.”
Many species of shorebirds and songbirds rely on constellations to help navigate to and from their summer breeding grounds throughout the state. Excessive outdoor lighting, especially in adverse weather conditions, can cause migrating birds to become disoriented, a phenomenon known as fatal light attraction. According to several studies, fatal light attraction can lead to collisions with windows, walls, floodlights, or the ground and the death of more than 1 billion birds annually in the U.S.
Lights Out directs State-owned and managed buildings to turn off non-essential outdoor lighting from 11 p.m. to dawn during the spring migration window, April 15 through May 31, and also during the peak fall migration, Aug. 15 through Nov. 15. State agencies are also encouraged to draw blinds when possible and turn off non-essential indoor lighting during Lights Out times. In addition to benefiting migrating birds, Lights Out promotes sustainability and provides a cost-savings to the state.
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