2 Million Birds to Migrate Over Indiana in One Night

Nearly 2 million birds are expected to fly over the state of Indiana in a single night, and you can help them make the trip safely.

A Massive Spring Migration is Happening Now

Every spring and fall, there is a massive migration as birds travel between North America's warmer and cooler climates. The greatest migration period happens in April, May, September, and October.

Millions of Birds Are on the Move Across Indiana

Part of that migration is taking place right now with millions of birds on the move, many of which are expected to fly right over Indiana. Sadly, during this massive spring migration, many birds won't arrive at their final destinations due to collisions with man-made structures.

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How Many Birds Will Fly Over Indiana During Migration?

According to the Indiana Audubon, 2 million birds are expected to fly over Indiana tomorrow night alone. They say that approximately 22,000 birds will pass over Indianapolis, nearly 5,000 over Fort Wayne, and about 4,000 over Evansville.

Birds Use the Moon to Guide Their Migration Navigation

According to Bird Safe Indy, birds use the light of the moon and stars to navigate their migration. Unfortunately, artificial light found in urban areas can cause the birds to become disoriented when they fly over. Bird Safe Indy, an organization out of Indianapolis, says that the lights can cause the birds to become confused.

Confused by the lights, the birds fly into the city, and the urban environment becomes a deadly trap. The birds strike buildings as they arrive. In the morning birds take flight and collide with buildings that have clear or reflective glass.

Photo by Mareks Steins on Unsplash

You Can Help Birds Migrate Safely With Just a Flip of the Switch

Fortunately, there is a way you and I can help reduce the number of avian fatalities, and it is as simple as flipping a switch. By turning off our outside lights during the months of migration, we can reduce the number of casualties. According to the National Audubon Society, an organization that works to protect birds and their habitats all across the country, here are some of the things we can do to help our feathered friends find safe travels,

Turn off exterior decorative lighting
Extinguish pot and flood-lights
Substitute strobe lighting wherever possible
Reduce atrium lighting wherever possible
Turn off interior lighting especially on higher stories

Southern Indiana Photographer Captures Hoosier Birds

Southern Indiana Photographer, Ron Harper, captures photographs of native birds that are both stunning and almost magical. His photographs showcase the natural beauty of the birds in our neck of the woods. From action shots in midflight to beautiful portraits, these photos will give you a new appreciation for the feathered wildlife in Indiana.

Gallery Credit: Melissa Nelson