NYC Dims Lights for Migrating Birds

The city that never sleeps will be a little less bright through Nov. 1, as buildings hit the lights to protect migrating birds. An estimated 90,000 birds die each year by slamming into buildings in NYC alone; turning lights off can reduce that number by 83%, according to one study. The Empire State and Chrysler buildings have jumped aboard the "lights out" program, run by NYC Audubon, and will turn off their lights from midnight to dawn during the autumn migration, notes the BBC.

The group behind the initiative says bright lights can confuse and disorient migrating birds, including white-throated sparrows, common yellow throats, and ovenbirds. It asks that all high-rise dwellers turn off extra lights, and that late-night workers close the blinds or use desk lamps to protect our feathered friends.

(More birds stories.)