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Corvo Island Dims Lights for Bird Migration
25 Oct
Summary
- Corvo Island in the Azores annually turns off public lights for five nights.
- This initiative aids Cory's shearwater fledglings in navigating to the ocean.
- Over 30,000 shearwater fledglings have been rescued in the Azores since 2015.
The small island of Corvo in the Azores, Portugal, undertakes a unique conservation effort each autumn. For five nights, its public lighting is completely switched off, creating a dark environment essential for the survival of Cory's shearwater fledglings. These young seabirds, attempting their maiden flight to the ocean, become fatally disoriented by artificial lights, often crashing into the village streets.
This tradition began in 1991 after the local community observed numerous deaths among the young birds. Residents started rescuing them, a practice that inspired a wider campaign. By 2015, over 30,000 Cory's shearwater fledglings had been rescued across the Azores, with approximately 6,000 on Corvo alone. This collective action highlights the significant impact of reducing light pollution on biodiversity.
Corvo remains the sole island to implement a full public illumination blackout for this purpose. The initiative serves as a profound example of humanity's ability to coexist with nature, fostering a sense of hope and responsibility towards environmental stewardship, especially among younger generations.
