When animals migrate at night, they rely heavily on natural light cues from the moon and stars to find their way. Artificial light from cities, roads, and buildings can confuse them, making it difficult to navigate safely.
Research shows that short wavelength light, which appears as blue or cool white light, is generally the most disruptive. Blue light is particularly problematic because it scatters more easily in the atmosphere and can attract birds and bats away from their natural flight paths. This attraction can lead to exhaustion or collisions with buildings.
To help protect these animals, experts recommend using warm colored lights instead. Light that leans toward the red or amber end of the spectrum is much less harmful to migratory species. If you want to help, consider installing motion sensors, shielding your outdoor lights so they point downward, and choosing bulbs with a warm color temperature. These small changes can make a massive difference in helping birds and bats complete their long journeys safely.
