Overview:

- As millions of birds journey south each fall, Metro Detroit emerges as a vital migration corridor, intersecting two major flyways.
- Yet, urban threats like artificial light and reflective glass jeopardize their passage.
- Simple measures, such as dimming lights and securing windows, can significantly reduce risks.
- The Detroit Bird Alliance, alongside local groups, champions "lights down" initiatives, gathers collision data, and spearheads educational outreach.

Every fall, millions of birds pass over Michigan on their journey south. Metro Detroit sits at the convergence of two major North American flyways — the Mississippi and the Atlantic — making our region one of the most important migration corridors on the continent.

But artificial light, reflective glass, and other urban hazards put migrating birds at risk. Fortunately, simple actions at home and at work can make a big difference.

Why does Metro Detroit matter so much for bird migration?

Metro Detroit sits where two of the four main bird “superhighways” overlap. That means millions of birds funnel through our skies each spring and fall.

“We have a unique geographic location and an inherent responsibility to make migration as safe as possible,” said Gretchen Abrams, executive director of the Detroit Bird Alliance.

How does light at night harm birds?

Most songbirds migrate at night, using stars and the Earth’s magnetic field to navigate.

Artificial light draws them off course — sometimes from as far as five kilometers away — causing them to circle lit areas until they collide with buildings, exhaust themselves, or fall prey to predators.

“Turning off unnecessary lights during peak migration can reduce bird deaths by more than 60%,” said Dr. David Dimitrie, Director of Conservation at the Detroit Zoo.

What can I do at home or at work?

You don’t have to go dark completely. Experts recommend a “lights down” approach:

  • Turn off or dim non-essential outdoor lights between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
  • Close blinds and curtains if interior lights are on.
  • Use downward-facing light fixtures, warm LEDs, and motion sensors.
  • Add timers to exterior lighting so they’re only on when needed.
  • Make windows safer with decals, markers, or exterior screens to prevent collisions.
Graphic courtesy Detroit Bird Alliance.

How can I tell when migration is happening?

Migration peaks in spring (March–May) and fall (August–October), with the heaviest activity during September and early October. You can check real-time forecasts at BirdCast, which uses radar to estimate how many birds are flying over your area each night.

What if I see a bird collision?

If you find a bird that has collided with a building, you can help by reporting it. The Detroit Bird Alliance recommends using the BirdMapper app to log bird deaths and injuries. This helps researchers identify problem areas and advocate for safer building practices.

What are local organizations doing?

  • Detroit Zoo: Turning off its water tower lights during migration, and helping lead the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ North American Songbird SAFE program.
  • Detroit Bird Alliance: Advocating for “lights down” practices, collecting data on bird collisions, and running community education programs.
  • DarkSky International & Audubon: Partnering on national “Lights Out” campaigns to protect birds and promote energy savings.

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Nina Misuraca Ignaczak is an award-winning Metro Detroit-based editor, journalist, and documentary filmmaker. She is the founder, publisher, and editor of Planet Detroit, a digital media startup focused on producing quality climate, health, and environment journalism that holds power accountable, and spotlights solutions. Planet Detroit has received awards and recognition from the Society for Professional Journalists Detroit, the Institute for Nonprofit News, and LION Publishers since its establishment in 2019. Prior to her journalism career, Nina worked in urban planning in local government and nonprofit sectors, holding a Master of Science in Natural Resource Ecology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.