Governor Lamont Signs a Bill Protecting Birds - National Humane Education Society

June 27, 2023

Paws Up!

To animal advocates in Connecticut for their persistence and legislators for their support of House Bill 6607. This bill protects migrating birds from the danger of light pollution.

Birds are part of nature’s orchestra. They brighten many listeners’ days with their melodious songs. Along with the auditory pleasure they bring to nature lovers, they also provide relaxation and smiles to onlookers who observe these feathered creatures as they 1) splash in a puddle, 2) methodically peck at seeds in a feeder, or 3) effortlessly glide on the wind. How many of us have wished that we could fly like a bird?

Countless birds die each year from an array of predators. Sadly, humans have affected birds by destroying their habitats to build shopping plazas, subdivisions, office complexes, restaurants, etc. These foreign objects, erected where birds’ homes once were, pose risks to them while flying. Many birds are killed from colliding with buildings. Not only are birds affected by the loss of their habitats, but their migration patterns are disrupted too. This disruption occurs from the buildings’ lights. When migrating at night, birds mistakenly follow the glow emitted from buildings rather than the moon and stars. Following this artificial light, birds become disoriented and exhausted, and they can die from landing to gain their strength in dangerous places.

According to a news article, animal advocates in Connecticut played an integral role in getting House Bill 6607 signed into law. HB 6607 mandates “state-owned and leased buildings to turn off nonessential outdoor lighting during peak avian migration periods in order to assist in preventing birds from flying into the sides of such buildings.” Governor Lamont signed the bill on June 27, 2023.

Take Action: Connecticut residents, please thank Governor Lamont for supporting the efforts to protect birds from the negative effects of light pollution.