09/25/2026
Good to know!
Attention all terrestrial mammals: a nightly rush hour is happening overhead.
While we're counting sheep and deep asleep, hundreds of thousands of birds are counting stars as fall migration sweeps across the region—including species that spent their summer at Mount Rainier.
And they've got a heck of a commute: hundreds or even thousands of miles to their wintering grounds. Maybe a few all-you-can-eat bug buffets to top off the tank. But otherwise? They’re navigating nearly on pure vibes!
Unfortunately, artificial light can disorient migrating birds and increase their risk of collisions. Let's give them a hand: turn off unnecessary outdoor lights, close blinds and curtains, and point essential lighting downward.
They've got flights to catch and miles to go. Look around: what can you switch off to keep the night dark and the stars bright?
NPS Photo / Filo Merid