As we enter the final month of the Lights Out, Dallas! surveys, our work remains essential in tracking migratory challenges and raising awareness. Each survey contributes valuable insights, shedding light on the journey of migratory birds through our city. Our collective efforts to spread awareness are an important first step toward creating safer skies for future migrations. Let’s make this last month count!

Bird—building collision numbers have trended upward over the last five weeks as we have entered the fall peak migration period. Following a small decrease in collisions in Week 6, numbers spiked in Week 7, with 36 collisions documented, as shown in the graph below. (A silver lining amongst so many preventable bird deaths is that 15 stunned and injured birds have been rescued and taken to rehabilitation so far this season)

Thanks to the skilled care provided at Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, an average of 70% of all Lights Out, Dallas! birds taken to rehab since Spring 2023 have been successfully treated and released back into the wild!

Despite reducing the number of survey days this year, we have continued to see the same trends in survey composition as in past years. Warbler collisions (Parulidae, n = 33) dominated the first four weeks of surveys this fall and have since decreased as New World Sparrow collisions (Passerellidae, n = 66) have increased. New World Sparrows now constitute 42% of all collision victims documented so far this fall in Dallas (n = 156), as seen in the chart below.

With peak migration nearing its end, the coming weeks are still critical as collision risks remain high. In Dallas, November has historically seen some of the highest bird collision numbers. Help protect the hundreds of millions of birds migrating through Texas this fall by going Lights Out! and using bird-friendly products for building glass.

Click below to learn more about bird-friendly solutions!

Our volunteer survey days are nearing completion, and your dedication has played a crucial role in highlighting the challenges migratory birds face. Each survey adds essential data, helping us deepen our collective understanding and spread awareness about creating safer skies. Every observation brings us one step closer to a brighter future for these vital travelers, and your commitment has been invaluable in driving this progress forward.

When:

Oct 14 - Nov 16 (Peak Migration)

Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat mornings



Nov 16 - Nov 29 (Non - Peak)

Mon, Wed, Fri, mornings



ALL surveys begin at 6 am and end around 8 am!

Where:

Mornings start and end at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science Parking lot; see below in the "Parking Map" for the parking location and the correct entrance. 

Upon arrival at the parking lot gates, press the Help button on the screen and inform the security team that you are there for the Lights Out, Dallas! bird monitoring surveys. This will grant you access to the parking spaces​ (see attached map).

Volunteer Sign Up Portal

Sign up for the days you plan to participate. Volunteering has never been easier thanks to our user-friendly online portal. We can't wait to see you soon!

This month marks another milestone in the Lights Out, Dallas! Fall 2024 season as we continue our bird collision surveys and advocacy efforts. Through our collective commitment to Lights Out! initiatives, awareness is spreading about how light pollution, building glass, and building design can impact migratory birds.

Photo Credit: @Reuniontower Instagram, Photo taken by Joseph Haubert

We’re thrilled to recognize several Dallas landmarks—Hunt Building, Reunion Tower, and Bank of America—that have committed to going Lights Out! this season. These iconic buildings are helping lead the way in raising awareness and taking proactive steps to protect migratory birds.

Photo Credit: Hunt Building Staff Chris Kleinert

With these efforts, Dallas is joining a growing movement across North Texas dedicated to creating safer skies for our feathered travelers. Join us in celebrating and showing appreciation for these buildings that are making a difference!

We call upon other cities and buildings 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. Click the link below to find Light's Out, Texas! (LOT) email outreach templates to use when contacting city officials, businesses, and more.

TCA paid tribute to the lives of birds lost to artificial light and glass collisions at our annual Día de los Pájaros Muertos event. Since 2022, our Lights Out, Dallas! team has gathered volunteers, partners, and community members for a day of remembrance and reflection.

This event honors these remarkable birds and highlights the scientific contributions of volunteers. Birds salvaged during surveys gain a 'second life' through research projects at the Texas A&M University Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections and beyond.

Reflecting on the thousands of birds found in the DFW area and the nearly 1 billion that die during migration each year due to collisions, we recognize that many of these deaths are preventable. Join us in reducing light pollution and retrofitting reflective glass at home and throughout our city. Together, we work toward safer skies for all.

Education/Community Outreach

Bring Lights Out, DFW! campaign to you.

Beyond participating in bird—window collision surveys, everyone can contribute to supporting migratory birds. Educators and group leaders, reach out to us if you’re interested in discovering more about the Lights Out, DFW! and learning ways to help save birds at home.