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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