New Jersey is buzzing with excitement as hundreds of birding enthusiasts gear up for the 43rd Annual World Series of Birding this Saturday, May 9. This intense, 24-hour birdwatching competition pushes participants to identify as many bird species as possible from midnight to midnight, spotlighting the thrill of the state’s spring migration peak.
The race kicks off at midnight for the most competitive teams, who brave several hours of darkness to capture elusive nocturnal species that most birders never encounter. Southern New Jersey is a hotspot for night-time birding, with four owl species vocalizing only after dark. Competitors rely heavily on these calls, such as the haunting “hoo-hoo” of the Great Horned Owl or the rhythmic hooting of the Barred Owl, famously known for its “Who cooks for you” call.
“The night is when the big birding begins,” said a participant preparing in Cape May County. “Owls and night-migrating songbirds can only be identified by their calls, and that’s where the true magic happens.”
Navigating with night vision and a sharp ear, birders listen to subtle chip notes from migrating songbirds buoyed by darkness to avoid daytime predators like hawks. Other rare night singers include the Eastern Whip-poor-will and rails such as the King Rail, Yellow Rail, and the elusive Black Rail. Dawn often brings the steady call of the Chuck-will’s-widow, signaling the start of morning’s chorus and a surge in bird activity.
This event is far more than a competition. The World Series of Birding is New Jersey Audubon’s biggest fundraiser, driving vital financial support for wildlife conservation across the state and partnering organizations nationwide. More than 85 teams have registered this year, including those focusing on local counties or engaging through alternative methods like “Big Stay” birding, where participants remain in one spot to collect species data.
Most teams do not bird nonstop for 24 hours—understandably, they rest during the mid-afternoon lull. But the day’s early hours remain the most productive, with species counts often exceeding half of the total sightings by 9:00 a.m. After sunrise, birders fan out in search of marsh birds, seabirds, raptors, and other iconic species.
The World Series of Birding draws bird lovers from across the country, including many who combine this adrenaline-filled marathon with fundraising goals. Entry is free for New Jersey Audubon Ambassador teams, encouraging a fun, community-driven event that balances competition with conservation.
For Kentucky birders and wildlife enthusiasts, the World Series highlights the nationwide passion for tracking migratory birds and supporting conservation efforts. This type of event raises awareness about habitat protection, a cause relevant in states with diverse bird populations and migration corridors.
Interested readers can learn more or support teams by visiting www.njaudubon.org. The 43rd World Series of Birding is underway, bringing unmatched energy to a time-honored tradition of birding endurance and environmental stewardship.
“As long as there have been birders, there have been Big Day quests—this event turns a hobby into an obsession,” said a New Jersey Audubon spokesperson.
