PHILADELPHIA, March 11, 2021

Bird Safe Philly and the City of Philadelphia today announced that Philadelphia has joined the national Lights Out initiative to protect birds during the spring and fall migration seasons.   

Here is a list of comments by key leaders and supporters of the initiative. These comments are in addition to the ones in the main press release announcing the initiative and may be used in media stories about Lights Out Philly.  

Jason Weckstein, PhD, Curator of Ornithology, Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

“As both a birder and a bird scientist at the Academy of Natural Sciences, I am excited to work on developing the Bird Safe Philly program with our local bird clubs and the Audubon Society. Lights Out Philly is a critical start to minimizing the negative impact on bird populations. I am thrilled that we are continuing the vital work of monitoring bird collisions and of preserving documentation of the specimens salvaged. This will help us to better understand and mitigate the impacts of our urban environment on the birds that we all love.”

Keith Russell, Program Manager, Urban Conservation, Audubon Mid-Atlantic

“According to the most recent climate research conducted by Audubon, many of the 300+ bird species that occur in Philadelphia, such as the Ovenbird and the Black-throated Blue Warbler, are among the hundreds of bird species that are now at an increased risk of extinction in North America because of climate change. But many of these species also face the additional threat of colliding with buildings when exposed to glass and/or nocturnal lights during their migrations. By participating in Bird Safe Philly’s Lights Out program, Philadelphia will not only help to protect these birds by further reducing energy consumption, which can slow climate change, but by also reducing the nocturnal lighting that threatens so many of these birds.”

Stephen G. Resinski, Chair, BOMA Philadelphia

“BOMA Philadelphia embraces the opportunity to be a leading participant in this worthy endeavor. Our member buildings define the City skyline, and we recognize our responsibility and ability to have a major impact on bird migration safety. Together we can increase bird safety and save energy.”

John M. Kelly, Director, Property Management, Brandywine Realty Trust

“Brandywine Realty Trust is proud to participate in the citywide Lights Out initiative to help prevent the thousands of migratory bird fatalities that occur every year in cities around the world. By participating in the Lights Out event, Brandywine is committed to turning off all unnecessary exterior lighting during these migratory periods and do our utmost to shut off interior lighting and close window shades to minimize the light disruption to the bird population as it passes over Philadelphia.”

Marianne Scott, Executive Director, Building Industry Association of Philadelphia

“The BIA supports the new Lights Out Philly initiative and is committed to raising awareness about this issue within our membership, which includes residential developers, builders, designers, and other professionals who support the industry.” 

Philadelphia City Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson (At-Large)

“I am thrilled to support the Bird Safe Philly Coalition on a Lights Out Initiative in Philadelphia. As Chair of the City Council Committee on the Environment, I am glad to see innovative programs like Lights Out that will reduce carbon emissions and protect our wildlife. I want to thank the members of the coalition for their hard work, and I look forward to our continued partnership.”

Philadelphia City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District)

“I support the Bird Safe Philly Coalition on a Lights Out Initiative in Philadelphia and their work to protect wildlife in Philadelphia. The Lights Out Initiative will also conserve energy and reduce emissions. I thank all the organizations and residents who participate in this initiative and the Bird Safe Philly Coalition for their dedication to wildlife conservation.”

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Media Contacts: 

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University   

Carolyn Belardo, Public Relations Director, belardo@ansp.org   

Audubon  

Chandler Lennon, Communications Manager, Atlantic Flyway, chandler.lennon@audubon.org