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Special to the Courier
BASTROP — Winds over Bastrop County will be bringing with them thousands of new highflyers as migration season is underway.
The Bastrop County Audubon Society and Bird City Bastrop ask that residents consider their aerial companions during migration, lasting through June 15, and cut back on some electricity usage.
Artificial lights, particularly at night, often have a negative impact on migrating birds, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Lights run the risk of confusing the fauna, disorienting them and leading them towards buildings where they can crash into windows or become exhausted after circling around by mistake. This directly impacts their ability to migrate.
The teams suggest turning off non-essential lights both inside and outside from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., and ensuring that rooftop, flood and landscaping lights in trees remain dark.
For essential lights, skyfriendly light fixtures or shields can be employed, as well as timers and motion sensors.
Research shows that birds are particularly attracted towards steady-burning red and white light emissions, according to the service.
A live bird migration map can be found at https://birdcast. info/migration-tools/ live-migration-maps/ for more details.
The scissor-tailed flycatcher, also known as the Texas bird-of-paradise, is one of the many unique birds of Bastrop County and can be seen migrating throughout the state. Photo courtesy Bastrop County Audubon Society
