Millions of birds are migrating through Louisiana this week as they head north, according to the BirdCast forecast.
Why it matters: Turn off exterior lights to help them get to their destinations safely.
The big picture: At least 20 million birds are expected to migrate through Louisiana the next few nights, BirdCast.org says.
- Spring migration is reaching its peak in New Orleans, with more than 100,000 birds in flight nightly, the site says.
- They usually start migrating 30 minutes after sunset and peak two to three hours later.
Zoom in: Louisiana sits within the Mississippi Flyway, which is used by 325 bird species, according to the Louisiana Wildlife Federation.
- Common nocturnal migrating birds in New Orleans right now include the veery, yellow-throated vireo and several varieties of warblers, BirdCast.org says.
- Elsewhere in the state, you’ll see the eastern kingbird, the yellow-billed cuckoo and the great crested flycatcher.
Zoom out: Many birds rely on the Moon and stars to navigate, and artificial light can disorient them, the Louisiana Wildlife Federation says.
- To help, turn off exterior lights and close blinds from 11pm to 6am.
- Other options: Aim security lights downward, reduce floodlights and switch to warm-white LEDs. More tips here.
Meanwhile, it’s nesting season for beach birds. Our colleagues at Axios Tampa Bay have an identification guide…