White Rock Pier to glow amber and orange for migrating birds

White Rock Pier lights will glow in a repeating amber-and-orange cycle from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 19, an event intended to reduce disruption to migrating birds and raise awareness of light pollution. The long-wavelength colours are less distracting to birds such as warblers, swallows and flycatchers that often migrate at night.

White Rock & Surrey Naturalists requested the lighting change before members Janet McIntosh and Carol Monaghan addressed council in April about excessive lighting at homes and highrises. Artificial light can cause birds to circle, lose elevation or land where little food or shelter leaves them vulnerable to predators, according to event material.

McIntosh said about 80 per cent of bird migration happens at night. Fall migration runs roughly from mid-August through October, making mid-September an appropriate period to highlight the issue. She encouraged residents to turn off unnecessary outdoor lighting and ensure lights that remain are shielded and directed downward.

WRSN members will have signs and bird-migration brochures at the pier, and attendees are invited to wear bird hats or costumes. The group will also hold its “Turn Down the Lights” meeting at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at Sunnyside Hall, 1845 154 St. Information is available at whiterockandsurreynats@gmail.com.