Galveston, Texas: No More Crash landings for America's Songbirds
- by: Andrew M
- recipient: James D. Yarbrough, Mayor of Galveston
Nearly 400 of some of America's most beautiful migratory birds met their end when they crashed into the 23-story American National Insurance building in the city of Galveston, Texas. These birds were heading north to their nesting grounds but this year there will be far fewer songbirds for us to enjoy.
Experts believe strong winds could have blown the birds of their normal migratory course and the bright lights of the tall building were mistaken for moonlight or the sun, luring them to a tragic end.
The easiest and most responsible way to ensure tragedies like these don't happen again are to require office buildings to turn off their lights at night especially during migration season. This method is both effective and saves energy.
I believe it's time that cities like Galveston that lie in the flight path of migratory birds, take their well-being into consideration and take measures to ensure these birds make it to their nesting grounds so we can all enjoy their beautiful colors and songs.
Join me and ask James D. Yarbrough, Mayor of Galveston, TX to require buildings in Galveston to turn off their lights
during migratory bird season.
Dear Mayor Yarbrough; In light of news of the 400 songbirds that crashed into Galveston's tallest building and died I would ask you and your city to take action to make sure nothing like this happens again. Experts say there is a relatively easy and harmless remedy - requiring tall buildings to turn off their lights during migratory bird season. Please make the responsible choice and pass an ordenance in Galveston to do just that, setting an example for other city governments that lie in our migratory birds' flight paths. It's simple, easy, good for wildlife and the environment and can make a big difference. [Your comments here] Sincerely,
