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Leon Valley proclaims “Lights Out for Birds” migratory months; council discussion highlights voluntary approach and safety concerns
Summary
The council heard a presentation and approved a two‑page Lights Out for Birds proclamation asking residents and businesses to reduce nonessential nighttime lighting during spring and fall migration; presenters emphasized the voluntary nature and environmental benefits while some council members expressed concern about crime and public safety.
The City of Leon Valley accepted a Lights Out for Birds proclamation during its Feb. 4 meeting, designating March 1–June 15 and Aug. 15–Nov. 30 as “lights out for bird safety” months in Leon Valley and encouraging residents, businesses and government to minimize nonessential exterior lighting during those periods.
The nut graf: the proclamation is voluntary and aims to reduce bird collisions with illuminated windows and lighting during nocturnal migration while also promoting energy savings and awareness.
Sarah Beasley, director of the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, presented the science and scope of the Lights Out initiative, telling the council that “illuminated windows … are where a lot of the birds are striking” and that reducing nonessential lighting during migration can help reduce collisions. Beasley described the program as voluntary and listed simple options such as turning lights off, shielding fixtures, using motion sensors or switching to red/amber lighting during migration periods.
The two‑page proclamation—authored by the Earthwise Living Committee and signed by Mayor Chris Riley—asks the Earthwise committee to collaborate with local organizations to educate the public and encourages pledges to minimize exterior lighting during the specified migration periods. The proclamation text cites statewide and national partners and frames the program as complementary to other local initiatives, including park and open‑space efforts.
Several council members and residents raised concerns during discussion. Some expressed worries that promoting darker nights could increase crime or discourage property owners from using lighting that deters theft; others urged Earthwise to coordinate with the police department on messaging to balance conservation and public safety. One councilmember said they did not agree with the proclamation and characterized it as unnecessary or “virtue signaling.”
Mayor Riley and other council members clarified that the proclamation is not an ordinance and imposes no legal requirement to change lighting. Beasley responded that many Lights Out actions are practical and inexpensive and noted houses and low‑rise buildings, not only downtown high‑rises, can be sources of strikes. The mayor encouraged the Earthwise committee to work with the police chief on communications to address safety concerns.
Ending: The proclamation will be distributed to the Earthwise Living Committee for public education activities, and staff and committee members said they would coordinate with the police department on guidance for businesses and residents.
