Miami’s “Tiny Travelers” Need Your Help: Why Turning Off Lights Matters Right Now

Tropical stork that migrated to New York dies after eating trash This photo provided by Chris Seminara shows a wood stork standing in the water on Staten Island, Aug. 1, 2021, in New York. The wood stork typically seen in tropical and subtropical regions migrated to New York City but died 10 days after it was first spotted on Staten Island. Researchers say the bird apparently ate a large piece of hardened foam that was found in its stomach. (Chris Seminara via AP) (Chris Seminara via AP/Chris Seminara via AP)

By Jade Alexander and Just Ben

April 30, 2026 at 8:06 am EDT

Every spring, small songbirds like warblers and ovenbirds pass through South Florida on their way north and many won’t survive the trip.

According to the Tropical Audubon Society, these birds are incredible navigators, flying at night using stars and magnetic fields. But bright city lights can disorient them, pulling them into buildings. The National Audubon Society estimates up to a billion birds die each year in the U.S. from window collisions.

The fix is surprisingly simple.

The “Lights Out Miami” campaign asks residents to turn off non-essential lights from 11 p.m. to sunrise through May 15 (and again in fall). You can also close blinds or use timers and motion sensors.

If you find an injured bird, don’t feed it, place it in a safe box and let it recover.

It’s a small action that can make a huge difference for millions of these “tiny travelers” passing through Miami.

Jade Alexander

If you’re a native of South Florida, you know Jade from her many years on local radio as a Jock and on television as both an Entertainment Reporter and News Anchor. This Miami girl has hosted some pretty memorable shows, events, and parties in this town. She’s a hugger, the ultimate animal lover, and has never met a stranger.