Lights Out: Protecting Migratory Birds in Hampton Roads

Join us for an enlightening evening dedicated to protecting our feathered friends during their fall migration along the Elizabeth River, a crucial part of the great Atlantic Flyway. The Elizabeth River Project, in partnership with Bird Safe Hampton Roads and led by the Cape Henry Audubon Society, invites you to participate in the Lights Out: Protecting Migrating Birds in Hampton Roads event.

Event Highlights:

Guest Speaker Pat Scanlon from the Cape Henry Audubon Society will discuss the Bird Safe/Lights Out Hampton Roads Campaign. Birds are often lured into cities by light pollution, leading to exhaustion and fatal collisions with windows. Pat Scanlon will share insights and photos of recent crash victims recovered from downtown Norfolk, emphasizing the importance of turning off unnecessary lights at night to prevent confusing the millions of birds on their long journey south.

Video Screening: Watch the “Texas Lights Out” video, followed by an engaging Q&A session.

Bird Watch & Listen: End the evening with a casual bird-watching session in Learning Park from the back deck, led by experts from the Cape Henry Audubon Society.

Demonstrations: View bird-friendly lighting designs and bird deflection films installed on windows at the Ryan Resilience Lab.

Join us to learn more about how you can ensure a safer journey for our migrating birds.

Arrive early for an optional tour of the Ryan Resilience Lab at 3:00pm.

All are welcome – Donations appreciated, though not required, to support a healthy Elizabeth River and our commitment to providing equitable access to our river programming