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IN PHOTO: Three American Bald Eagles stand on ice on the Hudson river near Barrytown, New York, March 23, 2015. Bald eagles, which live only in North America, were nearly wiped out over the past century due to hunting, habitat destruction and DDT chemical poisoning, which caused their eggs to crack prematurely. In 1976, there was reportedly only one known pair of nesting American Bald eagles left in New York State, according to the NY Department of Environmental Conservation. But, after decades of protection and conservation efforts the majestic birds, removed from the U.S. endangered species list in 2007, have successfully rebounded with many nesting along the shores of the lower Hudson river where in winter they use the river ice to fish from. Picture taken March 23, 2015. REUTERS/Mike Segar

New York is going to switch off non-essential lights in state-run buildings so that migrating birds can navigate their migratory routes during spring and autumn. It is believed that such birds use stars for their navigation.

Migrating birds can be confused by electric lights and crash into buildings. The occurrence is known as "fatal light attraction." According to estimations, around one billion birds get killed due to this every year in the United States. The city of New York falls along the Atlantic Flyway route of millions of migrating birds.

Bright outdoor lights in New York will be switched off during peak migration seasons in autumn and spring between 23:00 and dawn. Likewise, the migrating birds passing over the city by night will have a better chance of making it further north.

The announcement came from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday. “This is a simple step to help protect these migrating birds that make their home in New York’s forests, lakes and rivers,” Cuomo said. “I encourage anyone interested in learning more about New York's birds and their migrations to visit the new 'I Love NY Birding' website."

New York joins the efforts of the Audubon Society which works on reducing sources of light pollution disrupting and disorienting birds during migration. Bright exterior lights will be turned off in State-owned and managed buildings between April 15 and May 31, also between Aug. 15 and Nov. 15.

By joining the program, New York will turn off light in some of the iconic properties in the city. The New York City Audubon-listed properties include the Time Warner Center and the Chrysler Building. State agencies are also encouraged to switch off non-essential indoor lighting during “Lights Out” times and draw blinds whenever possible.

The “I Love NY Birding” website says that New York is one of the top bird-watching destinations. More than 450 different species of birds spend some time within New York every year.

There is a variety of habitats which attract birds. Those include grasslands, mountains, forests, rivers, wetlands and beaches. In addition, there are state forests, national parks and bird conservation areas that allow enthusiasts to enough opportunities to indulge in bird watching.

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au

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