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An estimated 100 million to 160 million birds cross Northern Virginia each spring and fall, mostly flying at night and navigating by the stars. Artificial light can pull them off course, leaving them vulnerable to exhaustion and deadly window collisions.

During the peak spring migration from March 15 through May 31, the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance’s “Lights Out for Birds” campaign is urging residents and businesses to limit unnecessary outdoor lighting between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Nature Forward, Friends of Huntley Meadows and DarkSky NOVA are among the local organizations supporting the effort.

Brightly illuminated buildings and city skyglow can attract and confuse migrating birds. Some strike reflective glass, while others repeatedly circle lighted structures until they become exhausted.

Reducing that risk does not require complete darkness. Residents and property owners can dim indoor lights, close blinds and use timers or motion sensors so outdoor fixtures operate only when needed. Shielded, lower-intensity lights aimed toward the ground can provide necessary illumination while limiting excess glow.

Warm amber bulbs are also preferable to blue-white lighting. Decorative exterior lights and unnecessary upper-floor lighting should be reduced, particularly in taller buildings.

A Chicago study found that cutting nighttime lighting at one high-rise reduced bird deaths by 80 percent. The change also conserved energy and lowered costs.

Window decals and protective films can make glass more visible to birds and further reduce collisions. DarkSky International recommends that outdoor lighting be useful, targeted, controlled, low-level and warm-colored.

The campaign also encourages Northern Virginians to tell neighbors and local businesses about the seasonal effort and sign the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance’s Lights Out Pledge.