LIGHTS OUT

An estimated 4.1 million birds will migrate through Oregon’s night skies between now and Oct. 19, and residents can help make their journey safer with a simple step: turn off unnecessary outdoor lights and close blinds between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

About 80% of North America’s migratory bird species, including many songbirds, travel at night. Cooler temperatures make long-distance flight easier, nighttime offers protection from daytime predators, and birds use the stars and Earth’s magnetic field to help navigate.

Bright city lights, however, can interfere with that navigation. Skyglow can draw migrating birds into developed areas, where they may collide with windows or circle illuminated buildings until they become exhausted.

“Lights Out” efforts encourage homes and businesses to reduce unnecessary nighttime lighting during peak migration periods. Migrating at night also allows birds to spend daylight hours resting and feeding before continuing their journeys.

For the next month, Oregonians can make a difference simply by flipping a switch. Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights, close the blinds before going to bed and encourage neighbors and local businesses to do the same. A darker night sky can help give millions of migrating birds a safer passage through Oregon on their long journey south.

REPTILES

The Eugene Reptile Show & Pet Expo is set for September 26 to 27 will feature snakes, lizards, turtles, amphibians, invertebrates and other exotic animals at the Lane Events Center Auditorium. The family-friendly show will bring together reptile breeders and specialty vendors, with animals to see and purchase as well as enclosures, plants, feeders, habitat décor and other reptile-care supplies.

Visitors can browse the displays, photograph the animals and talk with breeders and experienced keepers about reptile and exotic-pet care.

The show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, September 26, with VIP admission beginning at 9 a.m., and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 27. Advance general admission is $12 for adults and $5 for children ages 7–12; children 6 and younger are free.

PAVING

The Oregon Dept. of Transportation reports the contractor has postponed a Hwy. 126 project again. It’s tentatively scheduled to start Monday, September 28, but given the repeated postponements, ODOT is asking travelers to check TripCheck for the latest information.

Crews will work between mileposts 11 and 38 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

What to expect:

° Intermittent lane closures.

° Flaggers and a pilot car directing traffic through the work zone.

° Minor delays.

° Crews and equipment working close to traffic.

ODOT is advising drivers to slow down, watch for crews and equipment, and follow directions from flaggers through the work zone.

Schedules may change due to weather or other conditions.