What about the birds? Doug Young, COO of the South Florida Audubon Society, says it’s too early to tell what affect the lights may have on the South Florida bird population, but he does lament its contribution to overall light pollution in the area. A 2017 study published by the National Academy of Sciences, based on columns of light at New York City’s 9/11 tribute, showed that artificial light can alter bird behavior, from migration to foraging to vocal communication. The nearby Florida Everglades is one of the Top 5 birding destinations in North America, according to Birdwatchers Daily. Young is more concerned about the building itself, both its height and its sheath of reflective glass. “It’s an issue with office buildings. There will probably be thousands of birds that die because they’re going to fly into it,” Young says.