Protecting Birds During the 9/11 Tribute in Light

Each year, the Tribute in Light memorializes the victims of the September 11 attacks in New York City, with two beams of light illuminating the night sky. This installation, which can be seen from 60 miles away and reaches four miles into the sky, poses a significant risk to migrating birds during a peak migration period in September. Dustin Partridge, director of conservation and science for the NYC Bird Alliance, emphasizes the disorienting effect of the lights on birds, which can lead them to circle dangerously close to the beams.

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To mitigate the impact on avian populations, the NYC Bird Alliance collaborates with the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Volunteers monitor bird activity around the lights, using binoculars and spotting scopes to count the number of birds drawn to the beams. If the count reaches approximately 1,000, Partridge can request that the lights be turned off for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the birds to safely continue their migration. Partridge notes that the production team has consistently complied with these requests, recognizing the importance of balancing the tribute to victims with the need to protect wildlife.

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September is a critical month for bird migration in New York City, with an estimated 25 million birds passing through the area, primarily at night. A study published in 2017 highlighted that during the Tribute in Light, bird densities can increase significantly, sometimes up to 20 times higher than in surrounding areas. This concentration raises the risk of collisions among birds and with buildings, as they are drawn off their usual migratory paths by the lights.

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The event carries profound emotional weight, as many volunteers involved in monitoring the birds have personal connections to the 9/11 attacks. Partridge reflects on the emotional complexity of the night, where the somber remembrance of lost lives intersects with the responsibility of protecting migrating birds. The collaboration between the memorial and conservationists illustrates a community commitment to honoring both human and avian lives.

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Beth Hillman, president and CEO of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, stated, “While we honor those killed in the Sept. 11 attacks, we do not bring harm to the thousands of migrating birds who can be attracted to the installation.” This sentiment underscores the dual purpose of the Tribute in Light: to remember the past while safeguarding the future of wildlife.

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Despite the efforts to protect birds, some critics argue that the lights should be turned off entirely during peak migration periods to prevent any risk to wildlife. They contend that the emotional significance of the tribute should not come at the expense of avian safety.

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• “Light is incredibly disorienting to birds,” — Dustin Partridge, Director of Conservation and Science, NYC Bird Alliance

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• “It is one of the most difficult nights of the year,” — Dustin Partridge, reflecting on the emotional challenges of the event.

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• “Everyone who sees the two beams of light about the 9/11 Memorial joins our shared commitment to never forget,” — Beth Hillman, President and CEO, 9/11 Memorial & Museum

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The Tribute in Light serves as a poignant reminder of the past while highlighting the ongoing challenges of balancing remembrance with environmental stewardship.

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