Lights Out for North Texas Migrating Birds.

North Texas skies get especially busy each fall, but much of the movement happens while most of us are asleep.

Migratory bird season runs from September through November, reminding residents to reduce unnecessary outdoor lighting at night. Artificial light can distract and disorient birds traveling after dark, increasing the risk of collisions with buildings.

That does not necessarily mean leaving your home completely dark. Residents concerned about security can focus on turning off decorative or unnecessary lights, closing blinds and curtains, and reducing lighting where practical while keeping needed safety lighting in place.

The effort is part of Lights Out, Texas, a statewide campaign encouraging Texans to make nighttime skies safer during peak migration.

For those wondering how something as simple as a porch or backyard light can affect migrating birds, Audubon Texas offers more information about the science behind the effort and ways households can help.

Learn more about Lights Out, Texas