Part 10/15:

In the U.S., urban expansion and artificial lighting have led to a steep decline in bird populations, with over a billion birds dying annually from building collisions alone. Bird enthusiasts in Texas conduct early morning surveys to document deceased birds from nighttime building strikes, revealing how artificial lights disorient migratory species that rely on natural cues like stars.

Birds are critical for ecosystem health—they control pests, disperse seeds, and contribute to climate regulation by aiding plant growth and carbon sequestration. Their declining numbers threaten these vital ecological functions. Since 1970, North American bird populations have been plummeting, raising alarms about the cascading effects on biodiversity and climate health.