New Jersey is buzzing as hundreds of birders kick off the 43rd Annual World Series of Birding on May 9, launching a relentless 24-hour quest to spot the highest number of bird species statewide.
Starting as early as midnight, the competition is fierce. While most participants bird from dawn to dusk, a core group of highly competitive teams begin well before daybreak, using night vision and keen ears to track elusive nocturnal species like Great Horned Owls and Eastern Screech Owls calling from the darkness.
This intense 24-hour birdwatching marathon aligns with the peak of spring migration, maximizing the chances of sightings in all weather conditions. Teams race across the state, from the shorelines of Cape May County to inland marshes, searching for rare rails, nocturnal migrants, and early morning choruses that dominate before 9 AM, when over half the species are typically recorded.
Midnight to Dawn: The Night Owls Take Flight
The midnight-to-dawn hours are far from quiet for birders chasing a record Big Day. In southern New Jersey’s forests and wetlands, four owl species come alive vocally only at night, offering crucial early tallies for teams willing to brave the dark. The “hoo-hoo” of a Great Horned Owl or the distinct “Who cooks for you” hoots of a Barred Owl become prized additions to the checklist.
At the same time, nocturnal songbirds migrate in large, stealthy flocks, evading daytime raptors. Though invisible in the night sky, these birds give themselves away with unique calls and chip notes, detectable only by the most experienced birders using acoustic expertise.
Spring Migration Powers Daylight Race
At first light, competitors capitalize on the morning chorus. Notable species like the Chuck-will’s-widow signal the start of a bird-filled day that will stretch well into the night. Shoreline birders scan for terns, gulls, herons, and sea birds, while inland teams seek marsh birds and raptors soaring overhead.
The World Series is not just a test of endurance and knowledge but also a critical fundraiser for conservation. Organized by New Jersey Audubon, this event is the largest annual fundraiser supporting wildlife preservation efforts and involves dozens of additional organizations benefiting from the raised funds.
New Ways to Join and Support Conservation
With more than 85 teams registered this year, participation is broad and unique. Beyond the traditional “Big Day” route driving across New Jersey for 24 hours, options now include “Big Stay” for birders remaining stationary, county-focused counts, and carbon-free birding to reduce environmental impact.
New Jersey Audubon Ambassador teams enjoy no entry fees and bird at their own pace, turning the event into a celebration of fun and fundraising rather than a relentless race.
Birders and conservation supporters in Delaware and across the U.S. can follow the event’s progress and contribute by visiting www.njaudubon.org. Donations help ensure critical habitat protection amid ongoing environmental challenges.
What to Watch For
The World Series of Birding will unfold through the day and night of May 9, with excitement peaking in early dawn hours and continuing late into the evening. Birders and nature lovers nationwide are watching closely as teams push their limits for both adrenaline and conservation impact.
As the spring migration rolls on, this event offers a real-time snapshot of the health and diversity of regional bird populations, with findings that hold significance for American birdwatchers and conservationists well beyond New Jersey’s borders.
