Throughout the month of September, the lights on this Midwestern marvel will be turned off as millions of migratory birds begin their journey south, reported the NY Post. An iconic American landmark that has been a part of history for more than half a century will be going dark this month in a bid to save lives. The Gateway Arch, which has triumphantly bent over St Louis, Missouri, will now bow to nature.
Roughly 40% of the nation’s migratory waterfowl rely on this path throughout the year, with many birds travelling under the cover of darkness, making city lights a major hazard, according to data from the National Park Service. Every evening, the arch’s exterior lights will be turned off to reduce the risk of disorienting the birds, as the brightness can cause them to veer into buildings or stray from the correct migration route. St Louis and its resplendent Arch sit critically on one of North America’s busiest Avian superhighways, the Mississippi Flyway. Beyond the big arch lights, the Audubon Society has offered tips on how humans living along the migration path can assist their avian friends this season. These measures include keeping cats indoors and away from songbirds who are passing through. The organisation urges folks to shut off outdoor lights to avoid disorienting the winged. Clear glass is a silent killer for birds, which easily mistake reflective windows for open sky or trees. The Audubon Society advises using decals, paint, or glass markers to disrupt the surface and make the barrier visible.