Help Protect Migrating Birds
Each spring and fall, millions of migratory birds travel through our region. Located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, the Town of Porter sits along the Mississippi Flyway, an important migration corridor used by birds traveling between their breeding and wintering grounds.
Many of these birds migrate at night. Artificial nighttime lighting can disorient migrating birds, increasing the risk of window collisions and causing birds to expend valuable energy needed to complete their journeys. Reducing unnecessary nighttime lighting can help make our community safer for birds and other wildlife.
The Town of Porter Environmental Sustainability Commission invites residents, businesses, property owners, schools, places of worship, and other organizations to participate in Lights Out Porter by reducing unnecessary nighttime lighting during peak spring and fall migration.
When Is Lights Out Porter?
Peak migration periods in our area are:
Spring: Late April – Mid-May
Fall: Mid-September – Late October
During these periods, participants are encouraged to reduce unnecessary lighting between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., when nighttime migration activity is of particular concern.
Simple Ways You Can Help
Protecting migrating birds does not mean leaving your property in the dark. Small changes in how and when lighting is used can make a difference.
Residents, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to:
- Turn off unnecessary exterior lights between 11:00 p.m. and dawn.
- Shield or angle outdoor lighting downward so that light is directed toward the ground rather than the sky.
- Use motion sensors or timers for security lighting instead of leaving lights on throughout the night.
- Close blinds, shades, or curtains at night to reduce the amount of interior light spilling outdoors.
- Choose warm-colored outdoor lighting with a color temperature of 3,000 Kelvin or lower.
- Consider bird-friendly window measures such as appropriate window decals, screens, or insect netting on windows where bird collisions may be a concern.
Take the Lights Out Porter Pledge
Ready to participate?
By taking the Lights Out Porter Pledge, you can choose the actions that work for your home, business, or organization and join others in helping protect birds during their spring and fall migrations.
A Bird-Friendly Community
Lights Out Porter supports the Environmental Sustainability Commission's efforts to maintain Porter's Bird Town Indiana designation and promotoe a community that is safer and healthier for birds, wildlife, and people. Learn more at the Indiana Audubon's website.
