Some regions in the world like The Australian government are urging people to protect the wildlife this Christmas.
It’s not through standing by, capturing wildlife and relocating them to safer places; it’s more about switching off the lights.
“So, we’re changing our attitudes when it comes to Christmas lights? Wouldn’t that make Christmas not fun anymore? Besides, what’s the science behind it?”
The short answer to the first question is, kind of.
That’s according to a report from folks at Charles Darwin University, The University of Queensland, and RMIT University.
They examined research on the impact of artificial light at night on mammals, frogs, birds, and reptiles.
The researchers discovered that artificial lights pose challenges for a broad spectrum of species. Additionally, they found that energy-efficient LED lights can exacerbate the issues.
Light pollution isn’t like air pollution—we can’t really see it because we’re used to artificial lights. So, most people don’t realize that these outdoor lights can harm wildlife.
And during Christmas, the problem becomes more significant to them, as people put decorative lights in most places.
Look, it’s understood that Christmas lights are a part of the holiday festive culture. One can hardly call it a holiday without all the lights!
This urging is not saying that we shouldn’t do the lights at all, but to minimize.
“But… How far should I tone it down?”
Well, here are eight simple ways that the researchers suggested. With these tips, we can still embrace the holiday spirit. And at the same time, we contribute to minimizing light pollution and supporting local wildlife.
Besides, these tips might also save electricity during the festive season as well!
8 tips for toning down Christmas lights
- Day decorations like big bows on trees still look Christmas-y. If you want to go the extra mile, you can plant a native garden with festive colors. You can place landscape lighting that’ll enhance the colors at night.
- Animals get confused by house and fence decorative lights it can also block their movement. To avoid that, bring the lights indoors and put them on the window. At bedtime, close the curtains so the lights won’t disturb active animals outside.
- Leave the lights on when it’s only showtime. Pick a period and avoid turning on the lights at dusk or dawn when animals may be most active. If it’s a bother to switch on and off your lights manually, use an automatic timer.
- Cool-toned lights like bright white and blue can make us uncomfortable, let alone wildlife. Instead, use more warm colors such as amber or red; these are less harmful to wildlife.
- Use low-intensity lights to make the atmosphere dreamy, whimsical, or magical. Christmas lights are supposed to look twinkly and pretty, aren’t they?
- If you want to hang lights on trees, don’t load them on every tree you can find around the house. Leave some trees and shrubs as dark refuges for wildlife that are active at night.
- Spotlights are fun to tweak around, no doubt about it. However, it’s better for wildlife if we keep them angled downward and focused on wherever needed. Alternatively, use shields to stop light shining into the sky or nearby vegetation.
- Those who plan to celebrate the holiday season by camping should consider using less lights, if possible. Countless young seabirds and baby turtles die on their first trip due to artificial lights. Help them by minimizing lights in the bush and along the coast.
Caring about light pollution and the affected wildlife
There are studies done across the globe, indicating that artificial light at night negatively affects various animals.
Those studies show that light pollution has caused stress, increased vulnerability to predators, and altered reproduction. Moreover, it may also increase the risk of migrating birds colliding with windows.
It’s important to recognize the significance of gardens to wildlife. As we know, many mammals, frogs, birds, and reptiles are more active at night, attempting to stay hidden from predators.
Depending on your location, ‘visitors’ may visit your yard. Owls, frogs, snakes, geckos, lizards, possums, opossums, bats, and even moths may seek refuge there. Therefore, minimizing outdoor light can positively impact these creatures.
By preventing lights from shining into the sky or distant areas, we can help animals that are further away. Migrating birds, baby sea turtles, and fish along the coast will get less light pollution that way.
Extra tip: think about the birds when doing day decorating
The researchers mentioned that to tone down the lights, do daytime decorations instead. While that’s a good idea, if we have a lot of birds around, we should think about them, too.
Remember Rocky the owl which was rescued from Rockefeller Center Christmas tree?
Rocky’s story serves as a reminder to decorate and celebrate in a bird-friendly way.
Some time ago, the nonprofit Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky (RROKI) untangled a Saw-Whet Owl from the fabric of a Halloween decoration.
But unlike Rocky who recovered well, this owl didn’t make it due to the lack of circulation in its wing.
The organization shared on Instagram, “Due to the toxins built up in the wing from lack of circulation, this poor owl passed away. Moral of the story: please decorate for the holidays responsibly.”
Some may think that they don’t put Christmas decorations that can tangle, anyways, and that’s good. But, realistic synthetic decorations can lead to bird problems, as well.
Faux garlands, wreaths, and ornaments are so life-like nowadays, which are great for daytime decorations. Unfortunately, such things also appeal to birds.
Audubon Director of Bird-Friendly Communities John Rowden suggests caution when using lifelike decor that might confuse birds.
“If it’s something that’s meant to be convincing to us, avoid putting it out where it might confuse a bird as well,” Rowden said.
Keeping the fake decorations away from foraging areas
Rowden said that fake holly wreath on your door is unlikely to confuse wild birds. Nonetheless, the Audubon director recommended keeping fake fruits, nuts, and seeds away from areas where birds typically forage.
“If there are feeders around and birds are primed to be thinking about foraging in the area, avoid putting out stuff that mimics food,” he advised.
What to do then?
Well for one, we can opt for real plants in the decorations as they’ll make wild birds happy. Mistletoe, for instance, is a favorite treat of migratory songbirds like bluebirds and Evening Grosbeaks.
Another option is to check outdoor decorations regularly. Tiffany Dicks, a rehabilitator at RROKI suggested avoiding fake snow and/or wires. These materials could could potentially entangle birds this holiday season.
“Anything that’s like string is going to be hazardous to wildlife. I haven’t heard of any raptors getting caught in Christmas lights, but any time you’re decorating with something like that, just be cautious and keep an eye on it. If you care about wildlife, just check your decorations now and then,” Dicks emphasized.
Lighting and decorating choices
During Christmas and other holidays, minimizing light pollution is a great way to help wildlife.
Now, light pollution is not the only problem facing our wildlife. However, it can make it much harder for animals to survive other pressures. For some species, such as seabirds, light pollution is one of the biggest threats to their survival.
And even though urban areas are already bright at night, our actions still make a difference. If many people get involved, the difference we can make will be significant.
While outwardly shows of festivity do elevate holiday season vibes, we should remember that the essence is from within.
So long as we get together, sharing joy, kindness, and love, the minimized lights and decorations won’t be that much of a problem.
Sources
https://www.audubon.org/news/how-bird-friendly-are-your-holiday-decorations
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