We’re celebrating our scientists and spring migration! Check out the newest episode of “Map Chats” – where our Center for Conservation Innovation Mappers host a quick chat with our experts about our latest maps! This episode features Becca and Azalia discussing how to turn off your lights for migratory birds. Explore the story map and learn how you can help at: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/de5f9e076054457680380dd2979ae93b
Video Transcript:
Becca:
Hi, mappers. I’m Becca Settele – the Conservation GIS Analyst here at Defenders of Wildlife. We just dropped a new story map on Lights Out, Texas!
So we’ve invited our resident expert, Azalia Rodríguez, here to chat about this important work.
Hi Azalia!
Azalia:
Hola Becca!
Becca:
So, Azalia, what is Lights Out, Texas? And why did you decide to story map it?
Azalia:
I first got started in this work when I was working on the ground and started noticing bird collisions
in downtown cities. And although it’s really sad to see, it’s important to collect the data on how we can mitigate this problem.
Lights Out, Texas is a statewide campaign to help reduce the mortality rates of migratory birds that fly over Texas twice a year during spring and fall migration.
And because a picture is worth a thousand words, I thought it might be cool to drive home the message by showing a story map to show the work that is happening all over the Lone Star State.
So, Becca, what’s the most interesting thing that you’ve learned by putting this map together?
Becca:
That’s a good question. It was really interesting to see where bird collisions were happening in relation to satellite imagery of Earth at night throughout Texas. So there’s actually a map in the story map that lets you compare these two maps.
Now, keep in mind, there’s an increased sampling effort in these high population areas, but you can really start to see where the patterns are of these window strikes throughout the state of Texas.
And it really shows the importance of the subject and why we should be talking about it.
So what are some of the things that people can do to help migratory birds?
Azalia:
During migration season you can turn off all non-essential lights during the hours of 11 PM – 6 AM. And when unable to turn off outdoor lighting, be sure to practice responsible outdoor lighting
to reduce the amounts of light pollution being emitted.
That means making sure your outdoor lighting is useful, targeted, low level controlled and warm-colored. And sign up for local bird migration alerts to determine when a high intensity of birds
is migrating over your area. This can help practice the maximal effect of conservation actions by turning off lights when birds are flying at night.
And finally spread the word with friends and family by using the hashtag #LightsOutTexas to help defend wildlife.
Explore the map to learn more about Lights Out, Texas! And visit our website to learn more about how you can help migratory birds and other wildlife. Thanks for joining us, Azalia. And stay tuned for future Map Chats.
Defenders of Wildlife works on the ground, in the courts, and on Capitol Hill to protect and restore imperiled wildlife and habitats across North America. Together, we can ensure a future for the wildlife and wild places we all love.
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