ST. LOUIS – Downtown St. Louis will look a little darker during the month of September.
Beginning September 1, the exterior lights of the St. Louis Gateway Arch will be turned off throughout September in an effort to protect birds migrating south for the winter.
According to the American Bird Conservancy, birds typically spend their winters in South and Central America and use the Mississippi River as their guide for migration.
The migration down south is referred to as the Mississippi Flyover and features an abundance of birds like ducks, geese, and more.
Most birds typically fly at night, the National Audubon Society says. Since the Gateway Arch is along the Mississippi River, the monument lights will be turned off to accommodate their safety.
The Arch’s exterior light will be turned back on October 1.
