St. Louis Arch Lights to Be Turned Off to Prevent Bird Collisions
The St. Louis Arch is scheduled to be turned off this month to help prevent bird collisions during the migration of millions of birds along the Mississippi River.
St. Louis, MO, September 1, 2026 — The iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis is set to have its lights extinguished this month as a measure to protect migratory birds. The temporary shutdown is intended to prevent bird collisions with the structure during a critical period for avian migration along the Mississippi River flyway.
Millions of birds traverse the Mississippi River corridor annually as they migrate. Artificial lights, particularly those illuminating large structures, can disorient and attract birds, leading to collisions that can be fatal. By turning off the Arch’s illumination, officials aim to reduce this navigational hazard for the migrating flocks.
The specific dates for when the Arch’s lights will be turned off were not provided. The duration of the illumination shutdown was also not specified in the information available. This initiative aligns with broader conservation efforts aimed at mitigating bird mortality associated with human infrastructure, especially during peak migration seasons.
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