The state is calling on O'ahu residents to turn down their lights at night for the next few weeks to help native seabirds find their way out to sea for the winter.

Wedge-tailed shearwater chicks on O'ahu's offshore islands and coastal reserves are getting ready to migrate.

Human lights attract these young, inexperienced birds to shore when they should be following a moonlit path out to sea.

The danger is especially high along the Windward O'ahu coast.

Many birds are found on roads, parking lots and lawns between Makapu'u and Käne'ohe each year after the birds collide with poles, wires and buildings.

State officials are asking residents to keep outdoor lights to a minimum through Dec. 15 and to close curtains and blinds to reduce the glow from indoor lights.