At their April 12 meeting, League City Council issued a proclamation declaring April 19 through May321 as "Light Out Nights" to help protect the migratory birds coming through the League City and Galveston County area. Citizens and businesses are being asked to turn off their outdoor lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. in order to remove light pollution that can throw migratory birds off course or even make them so disoriented that they circle until they fall to exhaustion or collide with buildings. League City will be doing the same at all its facilities from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Turning off lights dramatically reduces hazards from attraction to and disorientation by light, allowing birds to safely proceed with their migratory journeys. And further, Lights Out does more than save birds, it saves energy and money! The Environmental Protection Agency highlights energy as the largest operating expense for commercial buildings. Reducing energy use by shutting off lights for migration season makes environmental sense and fiscal sense. Lights Out is a win-win for birds and cities, and the people who love both. By working together toward a dark sky every spring and fall, we will keep birds safely on course and out of harm’s way. Each light matters, and your commitment makes all the difference.