Learn the science behind bird migration forecasts and Lights Out Alerts
Join in a free webinar on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m. to learn how weather radar helps forecast bird migrations and Lights Out Alerts to protect birds, from one of the scientists behind these tools.
Kelsey Bell, Lights Out Wisconsin Strategy and Outreach Specialist, kelsey@lightsoutwi.org, 715-751-9206
Lisa Gaumnitz, Lights Out Wisconsin member and SOS Save Our Songbirds Coordinator, Lisa.gaumnitz@sossaveoursongbirds.org, 608-235-2201
Madison, Aug. 18, 2026 – Lights Out Wisconsin invites bird lovers and weather nerds across Wisconsin to tune in for a free online talk on Wednesday, Aug. 26, with one of the scientists who launched the first nationwide bird migration forecasts for the U.S. and Lights Out alerts.
Dr. Kyle Horton of Purdue University will share the science behind these bird migration tools from 7-8:30 p.m. CST. Register now to attend live or receive the recorded presentation to view at your convenience.
“As we sleep, millions of birds are taking flight,” Horton says. “Knowing how bird migration forecasts are put together can help you use them more effectively, whether for turning off lights or guiding your bird watching effort.”
Horton and colleagues created BirdCast bird migration tools that use weather radar and a model based on 23 years of bird migration data to predict bird migration intensity given a particular weather forecast. U.S. bird migration maps are one of the resulting tools. Warmer colors on the maps correspond to more intense bird migration.
Horton and colleagues at Purdue’s AeroEco Lab and BirdCast also use weather radar to make localized forecasts that predict bird migration in over 200 communities across the country. People can sign up to receive email alerts when very high levels of bird migration are forecast for their area. Those nights are when it’s most important to turn off outside lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. to avoid luring birds down from their flight paths into areas with more hazards, including windows.
“Bird migration forecast maps and Lights Out Alerts are great tools to help us enjoy and conserve birds,” says Kelsey Bell, Strategy and Outreach Specialist for Lights Out Wisconsin. “It’s amazing to have a tool that allows you and I to make an immediate difference for birds. We’re thrilled to have one of the key scientists behind this valuable tool share their knowledge.”
Lights Out Wisconsin is a statewide coalition that formed in September 2025 to help reduce light pollution on those nights when it’s most important for people and wildlife.
The free presentation on Aug. 26 is sponsored by Lights Out Wisconsin, SOS Save Our Songbirds, Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance and the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin.
