MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Scientists have issued a statewide Lights Out Alert overnight Wednesday, Aug. 26, with more than 24,000 birds expected to be migrating over the Milwaukee area, Lights Out Wisconsin says. 

Residents are encouraged to turn off non-essential outdoor lights from 11 p.m. to 6 am. during fall migration to reduce risk to birds, and especially during forecasted high migration nights. 

Lights Out Wisconsin says 80% of migrating birds fly at night, and artificial lighting may lure them off path and into windows or other hazardous areas. 

The alerts are issued when migratory traffic is within the top 10% of nights.

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