By Julia Silva. Fall bird migration is approaching — you can help give these nocturnal migrants safe passage on their journey. Designing outdoor lighting isn’t just about the aesthetics. It plays a huge role in supporting local ecosystems, protecting nocturnal wildlife and maintaining our precious dark skies. Here’s a guide to help you assemble your lighting in a way that looks beautiful, is wildlife friendly and helps preserve our dark skies for stargazing.

General principles

• Only illuminate what’s necessary. Focus on paths, doorways and gathering areas. Avoid floodlights or large area lights unless motion-activated for safety.

• Choose warm color temperature. Warmer tones (like amber or soft white) are less disruptive to insects, birds and nocturnal animals.

• Use shielded fixtures — full cutoff or downward-facing lights — to block upward and sideways light and reduce glare.

• Install motion sensors and timers to reduce constant light pollution.

Location          Lighting Tips

Pathways         Use low bollard lights or shielded step lights directed downward only.

Entryways       Choose wall sconces with fully shielded covers. Install no higher than necessary.

Patios              Use amber string lights or install dimmable wall sconces.

Driveways       Use low-height lights with motion sensors; avoid tall poles or spotlights.

Tree/Plants      Avoid uplighting trees — it disorients birds and insects; use ground-level, shielded accent lights if needed.

Fences/Walls   Use soft, shielded sconces or solar lights that direct light downward.

Pools/Ponds    To avoid reflecting light into the sky, use underwater lights or low shielded lighting only where absolutely needed.

With fall bird migration approaching, now is a good time to start getting in the habit of turning off any non-essential lighting.

Species / Best Time to Spot

Monarch butterflies – Early to mid-October – Often alongside bird migration

Hummingbirds – August–September – Hundreds of ruby-throated hummingbirds stopover

Raptors (hawks, kestrels) – September–October – Watch from ridges or open fields

Whooping cranes (rare but magical!) – Late October–November

Julia Silva is a conservation field investigator for SAWS. She grew up on George Road alongside Medina lake, fishing and swimming. Julia believes in the importance of conserving water, preserving our environment, and protecting our wildlife, from a young age. She enjoys camping with her family and friends during meteor showers. A licensed irrigator with plans to continue her education, Julia is an avid believer that knowledge holds power.