Texans have two chances each year to take a front row seat and witness one of North Americas’ most spectacular events, bird migration. Beginning March 1st and lasting through mid-June, billions of birds will take flight as part of their annual spring migration; and when the weather starts getting cooler, they will begin their return trip for fall migration, starting in early September through late October.
Migration is a seasonal movement from one location to another due to instinctual survival skills. There are four general north-south migration paths, or flyways, followed by North American birds. These highway-like paths are called the Atlantic, the Mississippi, the Central, and the Pacific Flyways.
Uniquely positioned where the Mississippi Flyway and the Central Flyway meet, Texas is a major migration corridor and plays an important role in migratory patterns of North American birds. Due to the expansive variety of ecosystems, Texas offers birds an abundance of options for refueling and resting while on their journey.
Migrating birds often travel at night when atmospheric conditions are relatively stable, and they use natural light from the moon and stars to help guide their way. Unfortunately, migrating birds are often disoriented, by artificial lights found on homes and buildings, causing confusion and navigational errors. The additional energy needed to get back on track often leads to building collisions and fatalities.
Since 1970, North American bird populations have decreased nearly 30%. Birds are essential to healthy ecosystems and human communities by providing pest control, pollination, seed dispersal, and multiple economic benefits. Habitat loss, deforestation, and pesticide use continue to be major factors in declining bird populations; however, deadly collisions, due to disorientation and confusion brought on by man-made structures, buildings, and artificial lighting, are among the most preventable threats.
The Spring Migration Peak Period, when we will see the most activity by our flying friends, across Texas begins April 22nd and lasts through May 12th. Lights Out, Texas! a campaign by Audubon Texas, the state branch of the National Audubon Society, emphasizes migratory bird safety through education, awareness, and action. Lights Out, Texas! encourages you to take these simple steps to help minimize migratory bird accidents.
- Turn off non-essential lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Avoid using landscape lighting on trees where birds may be nesting
- For essential lights, try these practices to minimize light pollution:
- Aim lights down
- Use motion detectors so lights go on only when you need them
- Close blinds at night to minimize lights being emitted from windows
To find out more about Lights Out, Texas! visit https://tx.audubon.org/.
The Texas A&M Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology asks Texans to report any encounters of bird-building collisions by visiting http://tx.ag/birdreport. Reporting bird-building collisions helps document and reduce incidents.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact me, (903) 473-4580 or email Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu. To view upcoming events or additional information, please follow Rains County AgriLife on Facebook.
