Gateway Arch dims its lights in September to protect migrating birds
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis will switch off its exterior illumination each night throughout September to reduce disorientation of migratory birds traveling the Mississippi Flyway.
Each night in September, the Gateway Arch will remain unlit, joining a tradition that began in 2002 to aid spring and fall migrations along the Mississippi Flyway. National Park Service data shows that roughly 40% of North America’s migratory waterfowl use this route, and artificial lighting can confuse birds, leading them into buildings or off their path. Over 300 bird species traverse the St. Louis area during this period, prompting the Arch’s owners to turn off the exterior illumination until the migration peak passes.
The Audubon Society adds that homeowners can help by keeping cats indoors, shutting off external lights, and applying decals or paint to glass to prevent collisions. It also recommends regular cleaning of bird feeders to curb disease spread. After the migration season ends in October, the Arch’s lights will return to their regular schedule.
Why it matters
Dimming the Arch’s lights helps protect millions of migrating birds from fatal disorientation caused by urban illumination.
In this story
