The week of October 7-12, 2024, is officially Lights Out Week in the state of Minnesota. Audubon Upper Mississippi River and DarkSky International chapter Starry Skies North secured this proclamation as part of their collaborative work to reduce light pollution and make the night skies darker for birds and people. The announcement helps raise awareness about the importance of protecting migratory birds from building collisions in Minnesota and across the U.S.  

It’s estimated that building collisions kill more than one billion birds annually in the U.S., and light pollution is one of the leading causes. That’s because many birds migrate at night and artificial lights distract and disorient them. Audubon’s Lights Out programs work to reduce these collisions and make the night skies safer for birds. This voluntary program was established in Minnesota in 2007; today 96 buildings in 15 cities across the state are participating.  

By declaring Lights Out Week, Minnesota encourages businesses and residents to adopt responsible outdoor lighting practices. In addition to Lights Out Week, the state has proclaimed August 15, 2023, and March 15, 2024, as Lights Out for Migratory Birds Days. These proclamations align with Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework goals, which aim to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.  

Minnesota is located along the Mississippi River Flyway, a significant neotropical migratory pathway. Approximately 475 million birds migrate through the state in the spring (March-May) and 650 million each fall (August-October). On peak migration nights, as many as 45 million birds migrate over Minnesota. The state’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park are both certified dark sky places that represent some of the last remaining pristine dark skies east of the Mississippi River.