Spring is in the air, and so are migrating birds.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation is urging homeowners to protect the birds by turning off non-essential outdoor lighting.
It’s part of a national and international “Lights Out” campaign to help the birds successfully navigate to seasonal nesting sites. The DEC said the state is home to vital migratory bird corridors, and they rely on constellations to help them navigate.
Studies show artificial light contributes to hundreds of thousands of bird deaths by disorienting them, especially in bad weather.
State-owned and operated buildings will turn off non-essential lighting from 11 p.m. to dawn until the end of May to help with migration efforts.
