JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Bird collisions with buildings are a tragic reality, but community leaders in Jacksonville are taking action.
Starting Saturday, March 15, residents throughout Northeast Florida are encouraged to turn off unnecessary outdoor lighting during overnight hours as part of the “Lights Out” campaign.
Thursday, Mayor Donna Deegan gathered with officials from Duval Audubon Society, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Museum of Science & History (MOSH), and Audubon Florida gathered at the zoo to formally kick off the campaign.
Experts say millions of birds fly over the community during the spring and fall months. They rely on the moon and stars to navigate their way. But artificial lights on in the dark can cause them to become disoriented and increase their chances of colliding with buildings.
“That’s why I’m officially proclaiming Lights Out North Florida from March 15th through May 15th and September 15th through November 15th annually here in Jacksonville,” Deegan said. “I believe we are the first community to make that proclamation, so I’m very, very excited about that.”
In 2024 alone, Jacksonville saw over 200 documented bird deaths. That’s just the beginning. Since 1970, North America has lost 3 billion birds, nearly a quarter of the bird population that has declined. From the dates mentioned above, people are asked to turn off any unnecessary lighting from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
This could mean cutting back on decorative outdoor lighting and even some indoor lighting, especially on top floors. Elizabeth Filippelli with Duval Audubon Society says those crucial hours can make a huge difference.
“Birds and humans are in a symbiotic relationship. We cannot live without them, and they can’t live without us,” Filippelli said. “So, I think it’s now time for us to do a little bit of help, switch off those lights. And it saves you money too.”
Even though there’s a call to help them, Filippelli said birds have a special way of helping us.
“They’re great to listen to and hear, it helps our mental health too, which is a big lane for me,” Filippelli said. “I try to get people to get outside so they can relax, especially in these times right now. We all want to be able to relax, so birds are very important for your mental health.”
To learn more about the Lights Out campaign, visit Duval Audubon.
