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Lights Out for Migrating Birds: Smarter Outdoor Lighting in Franklin

By Franklin Night Lighting · November 1, 2026

An artistic nighttime view of a dark, shadowy path illuminated by strategic lighting, creating a mysterious ambiance. — Photo: Damir K / Pexels, Pexels License

Fall bird migration isn't over yet. BirdCast, the migration-forecast project, lists the full fall migration period as August 15 to November 30, and asks people to turn off non-essential lights from dusk to dawn during critical migration periods. [BirdCast] Most migrating birds fly at night, navigating by the night sky, and bright artificial light can disorient them and cause them to hit buildings and windows. [Audubon]

What you can do at home in Franklin

Turn off non-essential lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. during migration season. [Audubon Texas]
Don't use landscape lighting to light up trees or gardens where birds may be resting. [Audubon Texas]
Close blinds at night to cut the light coming from your windows. [Audubon Texas]

For the lights you keep on

Use shields to aim light down and keep it out of the sky and the trees. [BirdCast]
Use motion sensors or timers so lights are only on when you need them. [BirdCast]
Choose warm-colored, lower-lumen bulbs, 3000 Kelvin or less. BirdCast suggests aiming for around 2100 to 2200 Kelvin. [BirdCast]

BirdCast's forecasts also flag nights with high migration, when turning lights out matters most. [BirdCast] Audubon Texas notes that cutting non-essential light also saves money. [Audubon Texas]

Sources

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