It's Peak Bird Migration Season in North Texas

Peak bird migration season is underway. Here's how Texas residents can help the travelers make it to their destination safely.

The City of Fort Worth published a blog post with the guidance on Wednesday. According to the post, hundreds of millions of birds migrate through the state of Texas every year, with many passing through the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Texans can make that journey safer by turning off nonessential lights at private residences and businesses from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. during spring migration season. Spring migration season runs from March 1-June 15, and the peak of the migration period is April 22-May 12.

This message is part of the National Audubon Society's Lights Out initiative, which hopes to protect billions of birds as they cross the United States. The blog notes that lights from buildings in urban areas can attract and disorient migrating birds. Unfortunately, that can lead to exhaustion, confusion, and ultimately collisions with buildings.

Just turning off lights can dramatically reduce hazards and disorientation by light, which will allow birds to safely proceed with their migration journeys.

"The City of Fort Worth is committed to protecting birds and to saving energy as well," the blog post states. "Participating in this initiative is a great way to do both. Residents and businesses, not just downtown, can reduce light pollution at night for a few hours to support this effort."

Monitor how many migrant birds will be traveling through your area by using the BirdCast website.