Pine considers joining Lights Out program to protect birds during spring, fall migrations
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Pine officials are making strides to protect birds as spring approaches.
The township, which was named a Bird Town this year, is considering participating in a new initiative called “Lights Out” to help prevent bird deaths associated with nighttime light pollution.
However, the board of supervisors recently tabled a vote on joining the program and won’t “vote on that until April at the earliest,” said township Manager Jason Kratsas.
“The board’s concern was that the resolution would be in conflict with our ordinances,” he said.
Most bird migration in the United States takes place twice a year: in the spring between April 15 and May 31 and in the fall between Aug. 15 and Nov. 15.
World Migratory Bird Day is officially celebrated on the second Saturday in May — in 2025, it falls on May 10 — and the second Saturday in October, which will be Oct. 11 this year.
“One of this year’s goals for the township’s Bird Town PA certification is to promote awareness and provide educational opportunities regarding bird migration seasons and the Lights Out program,” said Kirsten Primm, Pine’s director of code and planning.
As many as 1 billion birds are killed each year because of nighttime light pollution. The Lights Out program seeks to cut down on that number.
At its last meeting, Pine issued a proclamation about the program.
“Bird migration is one of nature’s great wonders. Birds typically follow established flyways, which are routes that offer the best opportunities for rest and refueling along the way. The Township of Pine is part of a flyway the birds use. Good alternatives to lighting that is dangerous to birds are readily available, including using motion detectors for outdoor lighting, ensuring that outdoor lights are covered so the light goes downward (e.g. via the use of ‘cut off’ fixtures), putting lights on a timer and dimmer, and implementing warm-colored lighting with correlated color temperatures (CCT) of less than or equal to 2,200 degrees Kelvin,” the proclamation reads.
If the resolution is adopted, Pine residents would be encouraged to convert their exterior light bulbs to warm colors at or below 2,200 Kelvin and to voluntarily dim, block or turn off exterior lighting or use motion detectors between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the spring and fall migration dates.