As regular CFZ-watchers will know, for some time Corinna has been doing a column for Animals & Men and a regular segment on On The Track... particularly about out-of-place birds and rare vagrants. There seem to be more and more bird stories from all over the world hitting the news these days so, to make room for them all - and to give them all equal and worthy coverage - she has set up this new blog to cover all things feathery and Fortean.

Friday 11 December 2015

Raleigh turns out the lights for birds

 City agrees to dim lights at performing arts and convention centers
Lights confuse migrating songbirds, causing some to hit buildings
‘Lights Out’ program dovetails with Raleigh’s conservation efforts

The city of Raleigh has begun turning off lights at some of its downtown buildings late at night for the benefit of songbirds who migrate through North Carolina each fall and spring. Both the lights used to illuminate the exteriors of buildings as well as lights left on inside can confuse birds, coaxing them to fly into walls of glass or fly in circles until they get exhausted and drop. The Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts is responsible for the most bird collision deaths in Raleigh according to the Wake Audobon Society.Chris Seward cseward@newsobserver.com

BY RICHARD STRADLING
RALEIGH 

The city has begun turning off lights at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts and the nearby convention center late at night, mostly for the benefit of some out-of-town visitors.

For many songbirds that migrate through North Carolina each fall and spring, the bright city lights can be deadly. Lights that illuminate the exteriors of buildings as well as those left on inside can confuse birds, coaxing them to crash into windows or fly in circles until they drop from exhaustion.

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