YDS goes dark to save migrating birds

Following student advocacy, Yale Divinity School will now pledge to dim or turn off all nonessential lights during fall and spring bird migrations, as part of the National Audubon Society’s “Lights Out” program.

 

Audubon’s Lights Out is a national effort to reduce bird collisions due to artificial lights. Every fall and spring, billions of birds migrate across the United States. The majority of birds fly at night, exposing them to bright lights and skyglow. According to Audubon, these lights can cause disorientation, resulting in birds flying into buildings or windows. The University has experienced significant issues with these bird collisions in recent years, with birds crashing into the glass facades of buildings such as Evans Hall.