The Borderlands Research Institute at Sul Ross State University and the Big Bend Conservation Alliance have teamed up to spread the word about Lights Out Texas, a state-wide initiative that asks Texans to turn out or dim nonessential lights to support spring birds during their migration, when hundreds of millions of birds will be passing through the state.

Turning off non-essential lights helps prevent bird casualties as they can become disoriented by bright artificial lights and skyglow, often causing them to collide with buildings or windows. While lights can throw birds off their migration paths, bird fatalities are more directly caused by the amount of energy the birds waste flying around and calling out in confusion. The exhaustion can then leave them vulnerable to other threats.

Engaging more people in bird conservation is an urgent issue. An analysis of North American bird populations documents that the number of birds in the U.S. and Canada has declined 29% in the last 50 years, a statistic that has shocked researchers and conservation organizations.

Compounding that issue in West Texas is the ongoing exceptional drought. Native West Texas birds have adapted to the climate, but drought conditions can make it harder to survive, and can make it especially difficult for migrating birds to make it through alive.

“Bird populations in the U.S. have been declining rapidly, and it is up to us to do what we can to help,” said Dr. Louis Harveson, Professor of Wildlife Management at Sul Ross.

BRI and the Conservation Alliance have partnered to spread the word, and offer these suggestions to help.

Turn off all non-essential nighttime lighting on buildings and other structures from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. during peak migration from April 19-May 7.

During peak migration, put out birdseed and water to help birds on their way. This is especially important in the Big Bend, which has been experiencing exceptional drought conditions. Birds will have fewer food sources along their path.

Volunteer to help create and distribute bird care packages, which in clude birdseed, instructions, and informational material.

Volunteer to help collect, tag, and transport bird casualties to Borderlands Research Institute so they can be transported to Texas A&M for a state-wide study.

Along with the partnership between BRI and the Conservation Alliance, Lights Out Texas in the Big Bend is being supported by Marfa Public Library. Birdseed for bird care packages has been donated by Tractor Supply Company in Alpine. Additional support for bird care packages comes from Rio Grande Joint Venture, Dixon Water Foundation, Cecilia M. Riley at Trans-Pecos Bird Conservation, and Ellen Weinacht.

Said Shelley Bernstein, executive director for the Alliance. “These efforts will help us monitor buildings throughout the Tri-County for bird collisions, while getting hundreds of bird care packages distributed to connect our communities to the needs of our birds.”

For more information and to register to volunteer, visit bigbendconservationalliance.org/projects/lights-out-texas.