Bird-Friendly Light Sources: Adapting the Spectral Composition of Artificial Lighting

Over 60 million birds, of many species, cross the North Sea twice each year. Light has a significant impact on migratory birds at sea as it can attract and trap birds at large illuminated structures such as offshore platforms. In this article, we study the behavior of birds around offshore platforms and test the effect of the presence of lighting, the intensity and type of lights, and the light color on bird behavior. We developed a bird-friendly light spectrum that can be applied offshore to provide safe lighting for both humans and birds. We present the results of a field demonstration test involving the exchange of lights to the new color on a gas production platform. We also demonstrate our systems compliance with explosion safety requirements. It is expected that the bird-friendly lighting will become the new standard for any installation situated in areas 56 with bird migration.