In 1954, a flock of birds followed the spotlights at a U.S. Air Force base in Georgia. They flew straight into the ground. About 50,000 birds died.

Hundreds of bird species in North America die from light pollution. Some of these species are endangered, as Michael Mesure explains. Mesure is president of Canada’s Fatal Light Awareness Program. His group helps protect migrating birds.

Photograph of rows of dead birds
Key Vocabulary

  • protect v., to keep safe

In Other Words

  • bird species types of birds

  • endangered rare, at risk of dying out

Before You Move On

  • 1. Explain How can light pollution harm birds that migrate at night?

  • 2. Viewing How does the photo of the birds illustrate the ideas in the text?