What to Know About Migrating Birds and Light Pollution

Posted on September 15, 2022 | Updated on September 30, 2025

Blake Hunter

Lower light levels at night are good for lots of wildlife, but also for humans. (@wild_birds_unlimited_boise / Instagram)

Idaho is a destination for birds and birders alike, but most of the time, the birds are just passing through. Did you know that 80% of migratory birds migrate almost exclusively at night? Birds like warblers, sparrows, and thrushes, along with many others, use the moon and stars to navigate millenia-old migration routes.

But a relatively new phenomenon has disoriented birds, causing them to get lost or collide with one another or human structures: light pollution.

That’s why many groups, including Wild Birds Unlimited Boise, are urging people to reduce their light pollution during peak migration. That’s right now through the first week of October.

The changes they’re asking people to make are typically money-savers as well — the best option is to have lights completely off, or only inside with curtains drawn. Motion-sensored lights are a good option for security that limit all those lumens, and shielded (downward-oriented) or warm light bulbs also reduce confusion for migrating birds.

Thank you Boise, we’ve loved the conversation we’ve been having with you for the past three years. City Cast Boise and Hey Boise have suspended operations. Our last newsletter and podcast episode was Oct. 24, 2025.

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