Lights @ night

Hi Holly welcome to the forum.

There has been many studies regarding the effects of light polution and it has been known for centuries that light (photoperiod) is possibly the major environmental stimuli affecting bird behavior and physiology. The length of the light period stimulates the breeding cycle, migration, fat deposition, and moult in most species of birds.

Therefore, it is only natural that one would think of using light as a means of bird control. In fact, light has already been used as a bird control; flood-light traps have been used to trap blackbirds (Meanley 1971); Meanley states that 2000-W search lights have been used to alleviate depredation by ducks in rice fields. Pulsing light is already used on aircraft, aircraft hangers and high towers as a means of detourinq birds(Schaefer, 1968).

In urban areas, the biggest light problems for migratory birds is at or near ground level - when birds are coming down to look for a place to rest/feed/shelter for the day. Then lights behind glass at or near ground level proved deadly - especially if the building was adjacent to a small park. A lot of birds can often be heard singing during the hours of darkness, again this is totally related to light polution!

Some solutions that can be tried to minimise the risks to birds, if possible, is to use certain types of lighting to attract fewer birds and insects); getting the lights turned off by midnight (rather than allowing them to remain on all night); making sure all lights point down rather than up toward the sky; and putting netting up around any “hot spots” such as glass windows or anything that is believed to be a direct threat to the birds.

I don't really know enough about moths and bats, but I'm sure someone will be able to give advice.

Regards Buzzard