Bright city lights and skyglow can confuse birds migrating along the Atlantic Flyway, leading to fatal window collisions. Local conservation efforts this month are critical for their safe passage.
International Dark Sky Week runs from April 13-19 and the Fairfax County Park Authority is asking residents to dim non-essential outdoor lights to protect migrating birds. According to the county’s recent "Turn Lights Out for Birds" proclamation, dimming non-essential lights can reduce bird-window collision deaths by up to 80%.
Since Fairfax lies along the Atlantic Flyway, local action during this window is critical for conservation. The Park Authority is actively hosting events at local parks, such as Observatory Park at Turner Farm, to raise awareness about the impact of light pollution.
According to the Park Authority, “Artificial lights can turn [bird migration] journey into a confusing and dangerous trek. Bright lights on tall buildings and city skyglow attract the feathered travelers, leading to window collisions or exhaustion from circling illuminated structures.”
A key event for the week is the "Sponsored Night Sky Viewing" on Saturday, April 18. However, residents are encouraged to check the Turner Farm Activity Search early, as these programs often fill up quickly. The Park Authority encourages residents to use red-light flashlights, which are available in "Dark Sky Kits" at county libraries. Unlike white light, red light allows for navigation without disrupting the night vision of humans or the flight paths of "feathered travelers."
Residents with library cards can place a hold on a kit through the FCPL online catalog and pick it up at any of the 23 library branches. Each kit includes a Sky Quality Meter to measure sky brightness, a red-light flashlight to preserve night vision, and planispheres in both English and Spanish. Kits can be borrowed for up to three weeks.