Fort Worth skyline goes dark for ‘Lights Out Texas’

On April 22, the Fort Worth skyline will be dimmed as part of the ‘Lights Out Texas’ initiative, aimed at aiding spring bird migration.

The Lights Out initiative, led by the National Audubon Society, Audubon Texas, and Texan by Nature, is an educational campaign promoting awareness and action to safeguard migratory birds by minimizing nighttime lighting.

Texas witnesses nearly two billion birds migrating each spring and fall, with some covering distances of up to 16,000 miles at speeds of up to 30 mph.

Spring migration typically spans from March 1 to June 15, with the peak period falling between April 19 and May 12. Birds, often flying during the night, can become disoriented by artificial lights, making them susceptible to collisions with buildings.

To support bird migration efforts, all Texans are encouraged to turn off nonessential lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. during the spring migration season, allowing birds to navigate safely.

Bird enthusiasts can track migratory patterns via the BirdCast website to monitor the movement of birds in their area.