Lights Out Chicago
A voluntary partnership effort that saves more than ten thousand birds each year.

Two photos of the Chicago skyline taken before and after 11 pm on the same fall night in 2003. (Photo Credit: Eric Fogleman)

Chicago is the first U.S. city to dim tall building lights to save birds' lives. Through the "Lights Out" program, Chicago's tall buildings have all turned off their decorative lights during spring and fall bird migration, putting them in the forefront of American cities taking action to help birds. In a great display of civic concern and responsibility, all buildings cooperate with the program by dimming their decorative lights for almost 5 months of the year, making 'Lights Out' a real success. Field Museum researchers estimate that the program saves the lives of more than ten thousand migratory landbirds each year.

Now coordinated by the Chicago Audubon Society, the program is a cooperative effort between the City of Chicago, the Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago, Audubon and the Field Museum.

Explore the "Tool Kit" link to find resources for starting a Lights Out program in your city.

"We applaud the leadership shown by the Chicago building owners. Their actions save birds' lives and help ensure that these wonderful creatures will be here for our children to enjoy. We hope that other cities will take up the Chicago challenge and emulate this fine effort." Terry Rich, National Coordinator of Partners in Flight

This web site was funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.