have you ever seen a bird fly into a window? if you have, chances are you’re not alone. building collisions account for over 1 billion bird deaths in the united states every year. this, along with other human factors, has led to a nearly 30% decline in the overall population of birds in north america over the past 50 years, impacting crop production, seed dispersal, and the billion-dollar birding industry. 

yet, across the country, organizations continue to fight for our avian friends, even in the face of mounting adversity. one such group, city wildlife, a rehabilitation center on the outskirts of the nation’s capital, has made it their mission to stop as many bird deaths as possible. their lights out dc initiative has been especially impactful, not only raising public awareness about the dangers of artificial light during migration seasons but also driving meaningful legislative change through years of hands-on work.