Birds and the ‘Post Tower’ in Bonn: a case study of light pollution

Abstract

During six consecutive autumn seasons we registered birds that were attracted to an illuminated 41-storey building in Bonn, Germany, the so-called ‘Post Tower’. Casualties on the ground were disoriented by the light and in most cases collided with the building. All-night observations with numbers of casualties, effective light sources, moon, and weather parameters registered hourly allowed for analyses of the role of these factors for the attraction and disorientation of numerous migratory birds. As expected, the conspicuous façade illumination was responsible for many casualties (fatal or non-fatal). Additionally, the illuminated roof logos and even faint light sources like the emergency lights were attractive and led to casualties. Moon and rain were negatively correlated with casualties, but there was no clear correlation with other weather parameters. Turning off lights was key, but effects of other ex post mitigation measures were limited: shutters were not originally intended for the attenuation of light emissions, control technology was insufficient, and there was a lack of willingness of the building owner to reduce light emissions consistently, even during core bird migration periods. Conservation recommendations are derived from this case study.