Centennial Bridge Lights Out: What Bird Control Professionals Need to Know

Why the Bridge Went Dark

From Sept. 29 to Oct. 15, the lights on the Centennial Bridge in Rock Island, Illinois, will remain off to protect birds during peak migration along the Mississippi Flyway. This is part of a growing number of “Lights Out” programs across the country that aim to reduce risks for migrating birds.

For those in bird control, this is more than just a feel-good conservation effort - it demonstrates how infrastructure and management decisions directly impact bird movement patterns and urban pressure points.

Migration and Light Pollution: The Overlap

Birds migrate at night, typically launching 30–45 minutes after sunset and peaking two to three hours later. In these critical hours, artificial lighting can throw off navigation, pulling birds off course and funneling them into urban centers.

For professionals in bird control, this matters because:

• Confused flocks increase collision risks with glass, towers, and industrial sites.

• Disoriented birds seek emergency roosts on buildings, bridges, and parking structures.

• Higher density in urban zones means more calls for clean-up, deterrence, and mitigation.

The Business Case for “Lights Out” Measures

While cutting lights seems like a conservation move, it also reduces operational conflicts for municipalities and property managers. Fewer birds clustering in high-traffic areas means:

• Less damage from droppings on bridges, plazas, and vehicles.

• Reduced public complaints about nuisance flocks.

• Lower liability risk tied to bird strikes and collisions.

As a bird control specialist, this is an opportunity to show clients that prevention doesn’t always mean expensive hardware - sometimes it’s about adjusting environmental factors.

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Local Participation and Broader Implications

River Action, the group maintaining the Centennial Bridge lights since 1988, is leading the effort. The Figge Art Museum also turned off its Evanescent Field light display for migration season. These actions highlight a broader willingness among institutions to adapt for bird safety.

For our industry, this demonstrates:

• Partnership potential with nonprofits and municipalities.

• A chance to consult on lighting audits and long-term design changes that reduce attractants.

• A model for community education, where bird control isn’t just reactive but proactive.

What Pros Should Watch This Season

As millions of birds funnel south, expect increased activity from songbirds, gulls, and shorebirds. Bird control teams should:

• Monitor rooftops, parking lots, and waterfront structures for temporary roosting spikes.

• Anticipate higher service calls in October related to clean-up and deterrence.

• Use this period to educate clients on preventative strategies that go beyond spikes and netting.

✅ Takeaway for the Industry:
The Centennial Bridge blackout underscores a critical truth - human infrastructure shapes bird behavior. For bird control professionals, aligning with “Lights Out” initiatives isn’t just good optics, it’s good business. By positioning ourselves as advisors on both deterrence and prevention, we build stronger, long-term partnerships with cities, property managers, and businesses.