By Kelli Nesbitt, Parks & Recreation Marketing Coordinator
Millions of birds travel through Texas each fall along the Central Flyway, but bright lights or unsafe windows can put them at risk.
Most bird species are unable to see glass, and the glare from lights exacerbates the danger at night. During the day, birds can mistake window reflections of trees, bushes, or other objects as safe places to land.
The College Station Parks and Recreation Department is encouraging businesses, schools, and residents to support Lights Out and Bird City Texas conservation efforts, which aim to reduce window collisions during migration.
By taking simple actions, such as turning off lights and painting windows, you can protect birds both during the day and at night. These actions are easy to implement and can make a big difference.
Here are two easy ways you can help:
Turn Off Non-Essential Lights
During fall and spring migration, bright lights can confuse birds flying at night, causing them to stray off course or collide with windows. Turning off non-essential lights from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. helps keep migrating birds on track.
Bird Migration Window Painting Contest
Decorate windows with Texas fall bird migration–themed designs through Nov. 30. To prevent bird strikes, designs should use solid patterns with gaps no larger than two inches. The artwork adds seasonal color while protecting birds.
To enter, submit a photo of your painted window to parks@cstx.gov by Nov. 30. Top designs will be featured on the city’s social media pages for community voting, and winners will be announced Dec. 8. Participants are encouraged to keep their artwork up through Thanksgiving to protect migrating birds.
Over a billion birds perish from window collisions nationwide each year. Your simple actions can have a meaningful impact on bird conservation.
For more information or to get involved, contact the Gary Halter Nature Center at 979-764-6216 or parks@cstx.gov.
Related Blog: Discover the secrets of bird-watching in College Station with our free classes this fall
About the Blogger
Kelli Nesbitt has served the Parks & Recreation Department for 19 years, including 12 years as marketing coordinator. She also served 1.5 years as the marketing and community engagement specialist for the City of Bryan from 2023-25. A Bryan native, Nesbitt earned a bachelor’s degree in health & kinesiology from Sam Houston State.
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