See the following post from the Michigan list, where it is not only Ann
Arbor citizens who are doing the right thing for migrant birds, but
other Michigan cities. It's a time when reluctance to waste electricity
can help save a waste of birds, too. I don't know of any Ohio city
that's accomplished this much--let us know if any one has.
Bill Whan
Columbus
Subject: City of Ann Arbor passes Safe Passage resolution
From: ddarm AT umich.edu
Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2009 21:50:23 -0400
ANN ARBOR, Mich., March 17, 2009 Ann Arbor City Council voted
unanimously last night to help prevent the loss of millions of
night-migrating birds by turning off lights on municipal buildings,
when practical, on the fifth floor and above between the hours of 11
p.m. and 6 a.m. (sunrise) during peak migration seasons. Similar Safe
Passages actions in Chicago and New York City have resulted in
significant reductions in migratory bird deaths. The campaign has come
to Michigan with resolutions passed by Ann Arbor, Detroit, Southfield,
Jackson, and a state proclamation designating the periods of March 15
to May 31 and August 15 to October 31 as Safe Passage Great Lakes
Days. Roof-top airplane navigation beacons required by the FAA are
exempt from the resolution.
Property owners of tall buildings are encouraged to join the Safe
Passages Great Lakes efforts by turning off their lights or closing
window shades and drapes at night. Individuals can help by turning off
lights when they leave an office or a residence, and to raise
awareness of the fatal light problem by discussing it with family,
friends and colleagues.
Individuals who live or work at night in buildings with five floors or
higher and who wish to minimize fatal light problems can also help.
Use blinds and curtains to conceal lighted areas if working after 11
p.m. during Safe Passages Great Lakes days;
Use desk lamps and task lighting to minimize perimeter lighting;
Re-schedule night work, such as arrange for custodial services in
tall buildings to work from the top down so the upper floor lights are
off from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. (dawn); and
Establish interior working areas for night activities.
A copy of the resolution and more information on the Safe Passage
Great Lakes project as well as other municipal environmental goals are
(or will soon be)posted on the Web at www.a2gov.org/green.
If you like to volunteer to help with this program, please reply to
this email.
Thanks!
Dea Armstrong
# # # # # Other links of interest:
Washtenaw Audubon?s Safe Passage program
http://www.washtenawaudubon.org/
Detroit Audubon's Safe Passage Program:
http://www.detroitaudubon.org/safe_passage.html
http://www.terrain.org/articles/15/kousky.htm
New York's Bird Safe Buildings guidelines (see especially sections on
Lights-out program):
http://www.nycaudubon.org/home/BirdSafeBuildingGuidelines.pdf
http://www.cityofchicago.org/Environment/BirdMigration/sub/lights_out_chicago.html
http://www.flap.org/new/diurnalfr.htm
and for folks who like to watch videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtb8WcZBT5I
http://homepage.mac.com/taosharon/Movies/iMovieTheater10.html
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