Light & Landscape Guidelines
When Birds are Migrating, Turn Out Your Lights!
Reduce lighting during March-June and August-November when birds are migrating.
Although collisions occur year-round, the highest numbers of collisions occur during migration. Artificial light attracts birds, disrupting their migrations and drawing them close to the hazards of buildings and glass.
Turn off nonessential lighting, draw shades at night, angle exterior lights away from windows, and shield or cover outdoor lights to direct light downward and out of the night sky.
Lighting Guidelines
Follow these guidelines to help reduce bird collisions year-round, while also saving money on electricity.
1. Turn off lights in your home and office
Turn off lights before leaving your home or business and advocate for turning lights out at your office building.
2. Turn off lights where greenery meets glass
Turn off or shade lobby, atrium, and greenhouse lights, particularly in spaces with vegetation behind glass.
3. Turn off outdoor lighting fixtures
Turn off landscape and outdoor lighting. Ensure that fixtures that must stay on are aimed downward and shielded.
4. Use internal shades to dim light
Draw blinds, curtains, or shades in all lighted areas and rooms possible to prevent light escaping.
5. Use sensor-controlled lights
Install motion sensors or timed lighting control systems to control and minimize light use.
6. Choose warmer, less bright light bulbs
Use warm-colored lightbulbs with lower lumens. Aim for a color temperature of around 2100-2200 Kelvin.
Go to the Downloads page for PDFs on bird-friendly lighting principles and strategies.
Landscape Guidelines
Natural landscapes near glass structures can draw birds in and pose a collision risk. Follow these simple guidelines to help reduce bird collisions near landscape features.
1. Keep feeders and birdbaths 3′ or 30′ away from glass
Place feeders either very close (within 3 feet) or very far (more than 30 feet) from untreated windows. Far placement reduces collision risk. Close placement reduces risk of critical injury from collision.
2. Move indoor vegetation away from glass
Move indoor plants or trees at least 3 feet back from untreated glass windows and doors, ideally where they won’t be seen as birds approach the window.
3. Plant outdoor vegetation away from glass
Native and fruiting vegetation attracts birds. Be conscious of how their placement might draw birds near windows. Follow the same 3′ or 30′ rule to reduce collisions with untreated glass.
4. Avoid creating “funnel effects” with landscaping
Avoid creating landscaped walkways, passageways, etc. that lead to glass. These structures can funnel birds toward glass.
5. Avoid creating “edge effects” with plantings
Avoid placing landscape edges or green roofs and walls directly adjacent to glass. These edges where habitat meets structure can increase collisions.
6. Avoid creating untreated, vegetated courtyards
Avoid creating landscaped courtyards with untreated glass. When attracted to courtyards, birds often become trapped and strike glass when trying to escape.
Please Note:
If you can see habitat through or reflected in glass at your property, there will be a threat of collision for birds regardless of lighting or landscape practices. The guidelines here are helpful to reduce collisions but should be done together with treating glass. Treating glass is the best way to stop collisions in all light conditions throughout the day.
