Lights Out, Dallas!
End of Spring 2024
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We have officially concluded the spring 2024 survey season, signifying the end of our 8th season of Lights Out, Dallas! surveys.
On behalf of our entire team, THANK YOU to all of our partners and supporting organizations, many of which include dedicated teams and individuals who make our work possible each season. We cannot thank everyone enough for their continuous support of our work in downtown Dallas, in our surrounding communities, and across Texas.
As we bid farewell to spring and prepare for the warm summer ahead, we would like to share this season’s highlights and observations with you.
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Spring 2024 is our 8th season documenting window collisions in Downtown Dallas. A total of 346 bird-building collisions were documented this season, which includes 295 mortalities, 38 rescued birds, and 13 stunned birds that hit windows and flew away. | |
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346 birds have been documented during surveys this spring. Even though spring migration season is ending, migrating birds will start their second wave of travel in early fall. There is still time for cities in North Texas to join this crucial initiative, amplifying our impact and ensuring a better future for migratory birds across the region.
Together, these efforts illuminate North Texas' dedication to conservation and serve as a beacon of hope for migratory bird populations. We encourage citizens to use the Lights Out, Texas! email outreach templates (link below) to urge elected officials, and businesses, to join us in going Lights Out! this Fall.
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We are grateful and fortunate to have some exceptionally committed individuals who join our team as volunteer survey leaders each season. All of you have made a difference for migratory birds, our community, and our entire team. | |
This spring, we welcomed a total of 81 volunteers to the Lights Out, Dallas! surveys. As a gesture of appreciation, we award volunteers who have attended 5 or more surveys in a calendar year a commemorative pin. We would like to recognize the 24 outstanding individuals who earned their honorary 2024 Lights Out, Dallas! volunteer pin! | |
Volunteers strengthen our connection with the community, inspiring others to enact change for our feathered friends. Whether you are a nature enthusiast or someone who just wants to learn and take a morning walk with us, you are more than welcome to join the cause. Join us in celebrating the commitment of these individuals and everyone who took the time to come to the Lights, Out Dallas! surveys this spring! | |
New species for Lights Out Dallas: | Three new species were documented this spring, bringing the total number of species documented by Lights Out Dallas to 108. The new species are the Gray-cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus), Bay-breasted Warbler (Setophaga castanea), & Blue-winged Warbler (Vermivora cyanoptera), as seen in the photo collage above. All three of these species are Neotropical migrants, meaning they winter in South and Central America and breed in North America. Thankfully, the Blue-winged Warbler was only stunned and was able to fly away to continue its migratory journey! | | |
Strengthened partnerships | |
The Trinity River Audubon Center (TRAC) has deepened its engagement with the Lights Out, Dallas! initiative, focusing on broadening public awareness and education. TRAC has now hosted several Lights Out, Dallas! presentations for groups of various ages. These presentations are designed to educate the public about the impact of light pollution on migratory birds and the importance of reducing artificial light during migration seasons. Additionally, TRAC has integrated Lights Out, Dallas! tabling opportunities into their events, allowing visitors to learn more about the initiative and how they can contribute to bird conservation efforts.
To enhance the data collection and monitoring efforts of Lights Out, Dallas! both the Trinity River Audubon Center and the Dallas Zoo have committed additional resources and expertise. TRAC and the Dallas Zoo have mobilized a team of volunteers and staff to conduct bird surveys during peak migration seasons. This enhanced survey effort allows for more accurate tracking of bird collisions.
The strengthened partnerships with the Trinity River Audubon Center and the Dallas Zoo represent a significant advancement in the Lights Out, Dallas! initiative. Through enhanced educational outreach and increased survey support, these collaborations are pivotal in promoting conservation awareness and ensuring the protection of migratory birds. This united effort underscores the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship and the safeguarding of avian species.
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Differences in Dove Collisions by Age and Season | |
This season, we saw clear differences in White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica) and Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) collisions by date and age. Age was determined in 76% of Dove (Columbidae) collisions this spring (n = 38). Of these, 90% were juvenile (hatch year) birds, and 10% were adults (after hatch year). All adult collisions occurred within the first four weeks of surveys, whereas juvenile collisions occurred from week two through week 12. Similar but less pronounced patterns have been documented in the last three spring seasons, with 52–68% of aged Dove collisions being juveniles and 32–48% being adults.
In spring, it is likely that high levels of breeding hormones contribute to collisions in adults and inexperience with navigating the dangers of the city contribute to collisions in juveniles. This hypothesis is supported by the low numbers of Dove collisions documented in the fall (n = 4–11) compared to spring (n = 37–45). These trends demonstrate that building glass and light pollution pose dangers not only to migratory bird species but also to species that call Dallas home year round.
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As we bid farewell for now, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and enthusiasm. We are excited and looking forward to the Fall 2024 season. If you didn't get a chance to earn your 2024 Lights Out! volunteer pin this spring, you can still join us this fall to earn your pin and show your commitment to migratory birds and wildlife in our city. | |
Stay tuned for an upcoming Final Report in mid-June that covers our data more thoroughly. Thank you for your continued support! | | | | |
