FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT
Chloe Crumley, chloe.crumley@audubon.org
A group of local conservation organizations is urging North Texans to join the Lights Out, DFW! campaign by turning off unnecessary outdoor lighting from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. for the remainder of the fall bird migration period. The plea comes after dozens of bird fatalities were recorded near the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas since early September.
The Lights Out, DFW! coalition — including Audubon Texas, the Dallas Zoo, and Texas Conservation Alliance — and its volunteers are regularly canvassing bird fatality hot spots in downtown Dallas. September 24 marks the start of North Texas’ localized peak migration period, which runs through late October. More than two million birds are estimated to have flown through Dallas and Tarrant counties last night alone.
“Bird populations have been in decline for decades, and the Metroplex is a bird mortality hotspot because of a combination of geography, light pollution, and building design,” said Audubon Texas Vice President & Executive Director Lisa Gonzalez. “Upwards of one hundred million birds are still expected to migrate through North Texas this season, and working together to reduce collision fatalities is critical. With the bulk of migratory birds still to come, we have a powerful opportunity to ease their journey and help reverse this troubling trend through simple but powerful collective action, like going lights out.”
The coalition has also issued a call for building operators to take the Lights Out, DFW! Building Challenge by dimming unnecessary building lighting at night. They are also seeking volunteers for their downtown canvassing efforts through late November. Households, businesses and building operators can also sign up for local migration alerts through Cornell University’s interactive BirdCast platform to receive notifications throughout the migration period. Fall migration ends November 15.
More information on the Lights Out, DFW! initiative can be found on the Audubon Texas website.
ATTN ASSIGNMENTS/PRODUCERS: Media outlets are welcome and encouraged to attend an upcoming bird collision survey. Please email Chloe Crumley, Public Affairs and Engagement Manager, at chloe.cromley@audubon.org for more information and to ensure you can be accommodated on your requested date.
