12.1 Million Birds Expected to Migrate Over Michigan on May 18
12.1 Million Birds Expected to Migrate Over Michigan on May 18
US · Published May 20, 2026
Michigan is set to witness a significant bird migration event on the night of Monday, May 18, 2026, with an estimated 12.1 million birds flying overhead. This marks a peak period in the spring migration season, as birds travel northward to their summer habitats. According to Purdue University's AeroEco Lab, much of Michigan is under a medium 'lights out' alert, with the western Upper Peninsula experiencing a high alert level. The alert encourages residents to turn off outdoor lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. to reduce skyglow, which can disorient migrating birds. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's BirdCast Migration Dashboard reported that 16 million birds had already flown over the state the previous night, May
This migration is part of a broader seasonal movement that spans from March to June across the U.S.

Why It's Important?

The primary concern during this migration event is the potential for bird collisions with lit urban areas, which can disrupt their natural navigation. Skyglow from artificial lighting poses a significant risk, particularly in urban centers, by attracting birds and increasing the likelihood of fatal collisions. Additionally, the disruption of nocturnal environments can negatively impact resting birds near stopover sites. The 'lights out' alert aims to mitigate these risks by encouraging residents to dim or turn off non-essential outdoor lighting during peak migration hours.

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