Lights Out, Fort Worth: Help migrating birds this fall

Lights Out, Fort Worth: Help migrating birds this fall

Published on September 02, 2026

Peak migration season is here, and birds are already taking flight. Over the next several weeks, millions of birds will travel through Texas as they make their way for the winter.

During their migration, many of these birds will use the night sky to navigate. Artificial light from buildings and homes can interfere with that journey, drawing birds off course and increasing the risk of collisions with windows and buildings.

Fort Worth residents and businesses can help by turning off or reducing unnecessary lights during the fall migration season. These small changes to nighttime lighting can make a difference for birds passing through our community.

Migration periods

• Fall migration: Aug. 15-Nov. 30
• Critical peak migration: Sept. 5-Oct. 29

Help birds along their journey

• Turn off or dim outdoor lights between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• Close blinds or curtains to reduce light shining through windows.
• Limit landscape lighting that illuminates trees, gardens and other areas where birds may rest.
• Use timers or motion sensors so outdoor lights are only on when needed.

You don't have to live or work downtown to participate. Reducing unnecessary light at night throughout Fort Worth can help migrating birds stay on course as they make their way through the city.

Learn more about bird migration

The Lights Out initiative is led by the National Audubon Society and Texan by Nature. Residents can also use BirdCast to monitor migration activity and see when large numbers of birds are expected to move through the Fort Worth area.

Learn more about the Lights Out initiative and monitor local migration activity with BirdCast.

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