Carousel by N.C. Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission

@gooutsidenc · September 2, 2026

Photo by N.C. Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission on September 02, 2026. May be a graphic of lighting, lightbulb, poster, lamp, lamppost, night and text that says 'Lights Out! One switch. Millions of birds. Here's Here'stheconnection. the connection.'.

Photo by N.C. Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission on September 02, 2026. May be an image of magazine, poster and text that says 'Right Now... Millions of birds are migrating across. NC at night using starlight and the earth's magnetic field to navigate thousands of miles.'.

Photo by N.C. Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission on September 02, 2026. May be an image of car, lighting, lantern, lightbulb, lamp shade, lamp, street, lamppost, night and text that says 'लमार) BeS Bright lights from nomes and buildings can throw off that navigation system, pulling birds off course and draining energy they need for the trip.'.

Photo by N.C. Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission on September 02, 2026. May be a graphic of poster and text that says 'The Fix Turn off exterior and unused lights overnight during migration season (roughly 11pm-6am).'.

Photo by N.C. Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission on September 02, 2026. May be an image of fire escape, street, night, lamppost, buildings and text that says 'This IS called "Lights Out" -and it's one ofthe easiest high-impact thingsa household can do for wildlife. No cost, no gear, no time commitment.'.

Photo by N.C. Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission on September 02, 2026. May be an image of text that says 'Fall migration is happening right now wthrough October which means this is the window where flipping that switch matters most.'.

Photo by N.C. Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission on September 02, 2026. May be an image of lighting, lightbulb, poster, lamp shade, lamp, night and text that says 'Lights Out.'.

N.C. Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission@gooutsidenc

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Did you know your porch light could be throwing off a migrating bird’s navigation? Fall migration is happening right now through October, with billions of birds flying overhead at night using starlight and the earth’s magnetic field to find their way. Bright lights can pull them off course. The fix? Simple: turn off exterior and unused lights overnight (11pm–6am) during migration season. It’s called “Lights Out” — no cost, no gear, just one easy habit that gives birds a safer flight path. Lights out tonight = Safe passage for the birds flying over your house.