Here’s Why Michigan Homeowners Should Go ‘Lights Out’ for Birds

There's about to be a mass exodus of birds fleeing Michigan heading down south to warmer weather.

And no, I'm not talking about Michigan's version of "snowbirds" a.k.a. folks who fly down south to hibernate in Florida or Arizona for the winter!

It's been a confusing start to the fall season in Michigan, from bursts of humidity during the day to just above freezing temperatures in the dead of night, but you know things are cold when the birds start heading south early.

That's exactly what happened in Michigan recently as just before Labor Day meteorologists reported nearly two million birds taking flight overnight. As WTOL meteorologist Chris Vickers explained, 

The colder than average weather has jumpstarted the migration...Multiple varieties of Warblers along with American Redstart, Viero and Eastern Wood-Peewees among other species are on the move.

Did you know light pollution reportedly affects bird migration?

I had no idea, but I feel I'm hearing more and more about light pollution this season and how it can affect migrating birds. Has this always been the case? According to the Bird Center of Michigan two-thirds of all songbirds migrate at night,

Homeowners across the state are encouraged to go lights out during peak fall migration, September 6 to October 6, to help out flying friends find their way. Make sure you add "flipping the switch" to your nightly routine this fall.