According to Dr. Susan Elbin, ornithologist and director of conservation for the New York City Audubon Society, migrating birds who travel mainly at night use the moon and stars as their compass.

Artificial cityscape lights can thus often confuse the birds, causing them to deviate from their flight patterns, which then can lead to potential exhaustion, injury and death.

The Audubon Society has been requesting New York City businesses and residents to dim their evening lights during peak migration months, from September 1 to November 1.

This year features the highest number of participants ever, with some notable city landmarks including the Time-Warner Center, the Rockefeller Center, and the Chrysler Building.

Our grateful thanks, Dr. Elbin, the Audubon Society and all light-dimming participants, for your caring actions on behalf of our feathered friends. May their numbers flourish as more and more people assist in their protection while conserving energy for the environment.

http://www.skynews.com.au/eco/article.aspx?id=516794&articleID=