New Jersey’s 43rd Annual World Series of Birding launches at midnight, kicking off a fierce 24-hour battle to identify the most bird species statewide. Hundreds of birders from across the country will raise binoculars at the stroke of midnight on May 9 to begin the intense “Big Day” species hunt, timed to capture the peak of spring migration.
This legendary event transforms birdwatching into a competitive marathon that starts in complete darkness, a feature that only the most determined teams embrace. Starting at midnight means targeting elusive owl species that vocalize only at night, including the Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Barn Owl, and Eastern Screech Owl—calls that signal the kickoff to the daylong quest.
Midnight owls and nocturnal songbirds dominate opening hours
While most birders begin at dawn, the World Series’ most ambitious teams spend up to four hours in total darkness hunting birds heard but not seen as many songbirds migrate under cover of night. These tiny calls, a series of chip notes, are deciphered by expert birders to add to their species list long before sunrise.
New Jersey’s southern shores, especially Cape May County, offer prime listening territory for these nighttime calls, including rare marsh birds like King Rail and the endangered Black Rail. Nighttime birding also features the haunting calls of Eastern Whip-poor-wills and other secretive species that vanish once daylight breaks.
Morning brings the crucial chorus and a flood of sightings
As dawn approaches, birders listen for the Chuck-will’s-widow, signaling the start of the dawn chorus. Within the first three hours, more than half of the day’s target species are identified, making the early morning arguably the most productive period.
Teams then chase marsh birds like egrets, herons, and waterfowl, while scanning skies for raptors and seabirds such as gulls, terns, and gannets, all adding critical numbers to their tallies. The race covers the full diversity of New Jersey’s habitats, from wetlands to open coastlines.
Fundraising and community spirit fuel the competition
More than just a competition, this event is New Jersey Audubon’s largest yearly fundraiser, raising money for conservation while engaging birdwatchers nationwide. Over 85 teams have registered for this year’s event, including casual birders who focus on their home counties or participate carbon-free by counting birds without driving.
The latest innovation in the event is the “Big Stay,” where participants remain in one location, betting on local hot spots to deliver species. New Jersey Audubon Ambassador teams enjoy no entry fees, bird at their own pace, and prioritize fundraising and enjoyment over the competitive pressure of a full 24-hour slog.
Why this matters now for US birders and conservation
The World Series of Birding reflects a growing national trend showcasing how citizen science and eco-enthusiasm can unite to aid conservation. Events like this spotlight migratory bird challenges linked to climate change, habitat loss, and urban development—issues affecting bird populations nationwide, including Colorado’s Rocky Mountain flyways.
For US birders and conservationists watching the New Jersey event unfold, the World Series highlights both the thrill of the hunt and the urgency of protecting avian species during critical spring migration periods that span the continent.
What’s next
As teams finalize plans and prepare gear, birders and wildlife advocates nationwide can follow updates and support participants on www.njaudubon.org. The results of the Big Day will be released shortly after the event, revealing the winning teams and the total species counts that tested birders’ endurance through night and day.
For Colorado’s birders, the New Jersey event serves as inspiration for similar local and regional competitions timed to spring and fall migrations. The shared goal remains clear: identify more species, fundraise, and fuel conservation efforts before migrations shift once again.
