South Etobicoke is one of the busiest sites in the City for birdwatchers as an estimated one million birds will fly over the area as migratory season begins.

The City has launched a campaign to turn off your lights to reduce migratory bird deaths.

The “Lights Out Toronto” is a public awareness campaign to reduce bird deaths at this time by encouraging residents and businesses to turn off unnecessary lights.

In Toronto, the spring bird migration occurs between mid-March and the beginning of June. In fall, migration occurs from mid-August to the beginning of November.

The campaign said during migration season, millions of birds travel through our city.

“The Toronto area serves as an important rest stop for migrating birds, many of whom fly thousands of kilometers between their overwintering sites and their summer breeding grounds,” according to the campaign.

The information said most birds migrate at night, guiding themselves with natural cues from the moon and stars. Night-migrating birds are drawn by city lights into urban areas where they often fatally collide with building windows that they cannot see.

Many of North America’s migratory bird species are facing significant population decline. Habitat loss, pesticide use, hunting by cats, climate change and collision with buildings are endangering the survival of countless migratory birds.

Turning off lights is an easy way for businesses and residents to make Toronto a safer place for migratory birds.

Birds are also essential to a healthy environment: they consume billions of insects daily (including mosquitoes), pollinate plants and disperse seeds. They contribute to our economy since birdwatching is a very popular leisure activity.

The campaign warned if a bird has collided with a window to place it inside a cardboard box or unwaxed paper bag with tissue to git the bird a perching spot; handle the bird as little as possible and do not give food or water.

You are advised to contact the Toronto Wildlife Centre.