While we were all watching Netflix and scrolling TikTok last night, something absolutely wild was happening in the sky above Columbus: millions of birds were flying right over your head.
We’re in the thick of spring bird migration season, and thanks to radar technology and tools like BirdCast, experts are tracking massive nocturnal movements—think 200 to 300 million birds flying across the U.S. in a single night. Yes, really.
In central Ohio, we’re part of a major flyway that birds use to make their journey north, and the migration peaks between late April and mid-May. Most of the action happens at night, typically starting about 30–60 minutes after sunset. Doppler radar, the same kind used to track storms, can detect these nighttime flocks, and the data is honestly mind-blowing.
The birds fly high—usually between 3,000 and 5,000 feet up—so we don’t see or hear them.
But they’re up there, quietly navigating by the stars, moonlight, and magnetic fields. Which brings us to the part where we can actually help them out.
Light pollution is a big problem during migration. Bright city lights (and even backyard ones) can confuse and disorient birds. Conservationists and meteorologists alike are asking folks to dim or turn off outdoor lights, especially from now through mid-May, when migration is at its peak.
Why Light Pollution Matters Right Now
As millions of birds pass overhead during migration season, one of the biggest dangers they face is light pollution. Bright city lights can attract and disorient migrating birds, making them more likely to crash into buildings or become exhausted and vulnerable to other urban threats.
Experts estimate that hundreds of millions of birds die in building collisions each year—and many of them are species already at risk. The easiest way to help? Just turn off your lights. Joining the Lights Out movement is as simple as flipping a switch, and it helps birds navigate safely while also saving energy (and your electric bill).
It’s a small thing, but it makes a real difference.
So tonight, maybe give your porch light a break. Look up if the sky’s clear. And remember: even if you can’t see them, the skies over Columbus are full of travelers on a journey thousands of miles long. And they’re trusting us to help give them a safe path.
