FLAP-Protecting Migratory Birds One Light at a Time

FLAP, or the Fatal Light Awareness Program, is a small organization in Canada that raises awareness about the effect of light pollution on migratory birds. At the moment they are a very small group of volunteers based in Toronto that are passionate about saving our birds from light pollution. They research and record the changing behaviors of birds as more urban areas that put out a lot of light spring up along migration routes.

Many species of migratory birds are used to flying at night, and they base their route on the moon, the sun, and the stars. Light pollution can interfere with that and often causes birds to get disoriented. It may even cause bird/building collisions, a little known tragedy that causes millions of bird fatalities every year. And as our lights get brighter and our buildings get taller, the number of lost birds will continue to go up.

To prevent this, we need to learn how to use light in a way that it doesn't interfere with nature. We need to reduce it, redirect it, and overall learn how to make it so it doesn't continue to be a fatal distraction for these birds. Simply raising awareness of this issue, such as through an organization like FLAP, may be all we need to do to protect these important species of migratory birds from the harm caused by our artificial lights.

For more information on FLAP, see their website:
FLAP Home Page