Why & how to help

Why Lights Out?

Every spring and fall, millions of birds fly over the Louisville area as they migrate to or from their nesting grounds. Our city—located along the Ohio River and home to multiple green spaces and freshwater sources—is an ideal stopping point for many birds. Some breed here, while others only pause to rest and refuel.

Many birds migrate at night to take advantage of calmer skies, cooler temperatures, and the absence of predators. They navigate using the Earth’s magnetic field and the position of the moon and stars in the night sky.

But when the sun sets, we humans turn on lights—creating a challenge for birds that often turns deadly.

Artificial lighting from any outdoor structure—including commercial buildings and residential homes—can distract or disorient birds.

As a result, many birds suffer fatal collisions with windows and other reflective materials. Others circle in confusion until they drop from exhaustion.

Light pollution can harm any migratory bird species, including the 350-plus species that have been noted in Kentucky, such as the Yellow-throated Warbler.

The solution is simple for homes and non-residential buildings alike: lights out during peak migration.

April and May  |  September and October
11 p.m.–6 a.m.

  • Turn off unnecessary lights, both indoors and outside.
  • Close blinds, shades, and curtains to prevent “sky glow.”
  • Use motion detectors for outdoor lighting.
  • Keep outdoor lighting pointed down or shield the tops of lights.
  • Use “warm” light bulbs; avoid bright-white and blue-spectrum LEDs.

Join the effort: Pledge to go Lights Out.

Every residence or commercial building that joins the Lights Out effort helps protect migratory birds.

Sign up as an individual and/or on behalf of your business or an organization you represent: Fill out a short form by clicking one of the buttons below.

Show your support: Donate $10+ to get a FREE sign for your yard or window!

Don’t want a sign? You can still support Lights Out Louisville by making a tax-deductible donation!

How you benefit

SAVE Money

The average residential electric bill in KY rose 7.9% from Feb. ’23 to Feb. ’24.

On average, 30% of the
energy that commercial buildings use is wasted.

SHOW CARE

Bird-friendly actions demonstrate a commitment to
environmental conservation.

Gain recognition among your peers and neighbors for your
sustainable practices.

PROTECT BIRDS

Prevent injuries and deaths
from window strikes and
building collisions.

Help birds safely migrate at night, and rest, forage, and breed during the day.

Track bird migration with BirdCast

BirdCast’s live and historical migration maps show just how many birds fly over the U.S.—and over Jefferson County—during peak migration months every night.


Just how many? For comparison, about 150,000 people attended the 149th Kentucky Derby on May 6, 2023. That same night and in the early hours of the next day, almost 3.8 million birds crossed Jefferson County.

This map shows white-hot migration activity directly over Louisville at 2:50 a.m. on May 7, 2023, the night after Derby.

Visit and bookmark the BirdCast page to follow bird migration in real time.