May 1, 2025 - News

Portlanders urged to turn off lights to aid bird migration

Kale Williams

Several pelicans are seen flying over a wetland as the sun sets in a fiery orange behind them. — When the sun goes down, your outdoor lights should too. Photo: David McNew/Getty Images

Millions of birds are passing over Portland this time of year, but they need a little help navigating the night skies.

Why it matters: The Pacific Flyway, one of several major avian migration routes, passes directly over Portland and city lights can disorient birds that use the moon and stars to safely get to their destinations.

State of play: North America's bird population has declined 30% since the 1970s.

The Bird Alliance of Oregon is encouraging everyone — private citizens, businesses and government agencies — to turn off any outdoor lights that could disrupt the flights of our fancy feathered friends.
Switching to LED bulbs can help, too, and there are even incentives that can help offset some of the cost.

The bottom line: The peak spring migration runs through late May, so let's keep the lights low until then.

Add Axios on Google

Portlanders urged to turn off lights to aid bird migration

More Portland stories