MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Purdue University scientists have issued a statewide Lights Out Alert for Monday night, May 11 in Wisconsin, forecasting extremely high bird migration activity over Wisconsin. The news came in a Monday press release from Lights Out Wisconsin.

Residents are asked to turn off non-essential outdoor lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. to help keep migrating birds on course.

The press release reports that about 80% of migrating birds fly at night, and artificial light can divert them into urban areas where window crashes and other hazards pose a threat. Birds flying into windows kill up to 3.5 billion birds annually in the United States, according to researchers.

Scientists predict 17.6 million birds will fly over Wisconsin on Monday night alone. Lights Out Alerts are issued on the top 10% highest-migration nights, which account for roughly half of all seasonal migration traffic.

More information can be found by visiting Lights Out Wisconsin online.