Downtown Raleigh goes dark for migrating birds

Effective March 15, all non-essential lighting in City of Raleigh facilities will be turned off between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. each night through May 31.

Posted 10:35 a.m. Mar 15, 2022 — Updated 10:36 a.m. Mar 15, 2022

RALEIGH, N.C. — Raleigh's skyline will be a lot darker beginning Tuesday night.

Effective March 15, all non-essential lighting in City of Raleigh facilities will be turned off between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. each night through May 31.

The darkness will help migrating birds passing through our area, which can be disoriented by bright lights.

"Bright lights can attract and disorient nocturnally migrating birds, leading to potential collisions with buildings," read a statement on the City of Raleigh's website. "Migratory bird populations are in serious decline, and such collisions are significant contributors to these losses."

According to the city, which goes dark for birds twice each year, the practice also conserves energy and cost.

Businesses and residents can help during migration season by:

Turning off the lights outside of your home, especially upward-facing lights.
Close blinds and curtains at home and before leaving your office for the day.
If you work in an office building, ask your employer to turn out exterior upward-facing lights, as well as interior office lights, from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

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