State officials ask that residents turn off their lights overnight, not to conserve energy, but to help migrating birds.

The “Lights Out” initiative asks people to turn off non-essential outdoor lights from 11 p.m. to dawn during the spring migration window.

“DEC is proud to join our New York State partners to lead by example and take actions to help reduce bird collisions. The national Lights Out initiative is a simple way New York State agencies and New Yorkers can protect wildlife and ecosystems and help a variety of bird species have a safe, successful migratory journey.” New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said.

This initiative runs through the end of the month and again during peak fall migration, Aug. 15 through Nov. 15.

“The solution to light pollution that can harm migrating birds is so simple - switch off unnecessary lights at your home or business each night during peak bird migration, which runs through May 31. We all have a role to play in helping our magnificent migratory birds navigate safely through our region,” Meredith Barges, chair of Lights Out Central New York, said.

Several studies show that light attraction can lead to collisions that kill over 1 billion birds annually across the country.

According to DEC officials, excessive outdoor lighting can cause migrating birds to become disoriented, a phenomenon known as fatal light attraction.