New Jersey’s 43rd Annual World Series of Birding kicks off tonight at midnight, igniting a fierce 24-hour battle among hundreds of birders striving to spot the greatest number of bird species in one day. Birdwatchers from across the United States are converging in New Jersey for the state’s landmark event, aligned with peak spring migration to maximize rare species sightings.
The World Series of Birding, hosted by New Jersey Audubon, is more than a challenging hobby—it’s a high-stake, adrenaline-fueled race that transforms birding into a full-day obsession. Participants have just 24 hours, from midnight to midnight on May 9, to record as many bird species—by both sight and sound—as possible. Already, 85 teams have registered, including some traveling from distant states to compete.
Midnight Madness: Why Start Birding in Complete Darkness?
Only the most dedicated teams kick off their searches at midnight, leveraging the nocturnal activity of elusive species invisible during daylight. New Jersey’s night skies awaken with the calls of four prime owl species—the Great Horned Owl with its deep “hoo-hoo,” the unmistakable rhythmic hoot of the Barred Owl known for “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all,” the eerie screech of the Barn Owl, and the distinctive “whinny” of the Eastern Screech Owl.
As Dan Poalillo, a seasoned birder and night enthusiast, explains, “For birders, these nocturnal calls are gold. Starting at midnight means not missing a single note, no matter how faint.” Participants rely heavily on night vision equipment and expert hearing to detect discreet chip notes from migrating songbirds that travel under cover of darkness to avoid daytime predators like hawks.
Birding at Dawn and Beyond: Racing Against the Clock
Teams typically note more than half their day’s species count before 9:00 a.m. as the dawn chorus erupts. This early surge includes not only owls but also other night singers like the Eastern Whip-poor-will and vulnerable rail species including King Rail, Yellow Rail, and the rare Black Rail. By sunrise, intense activity fills marshes and coastal areas with great egret, heron, duck, gull, tern, and gannet sightings.
“This is the critical stretch,” says an official from New Jersey Audubon. “If you’re not hitting the early morning hotspots, you’re leaving species on the table.” After this frenzied pace, some teams take brief rests during the mid-afternoon lull before resuming the hunt to target late-day raptors and flyover birds.
More Than a Race: A Conservation Powerhouse
Behind the competitive spirit lies a powerful conservation mission. Every year, the World Series of Birding serves as New Jersey Audubon’s largest fundraiser, raising vital funds that support statewide and national wildlife conservation efforts. Participating teams also raise money for dozens of other organizations pushing critical environmental causes.
Birding enthusiasts can engage without the grueling full-day effort. Variants like the “Big Stay” focus on birding from one location, or carbon-free participation aims for a smaller footprint. New Jersey Audubon Ambassador teams enjoy zero entry fees and bird at their own pace emphasizing fun and fundraising.
What to Watch Today
The next 24 hours will reveal which team records the highest number of species and embraces the full challenge of nocturnal and daylight birding. Birders and supporters nationwide can track progress and contribute through www.njaudubon.org by following their favorite teams and donating to conservation causes.
For bird lovers across the country—including those in coastal and marsh-rich South Carolina—this high-intensity event spotlights the extraordinary diversity of migratory birds, many of which can be seen in the Southeast during migration seasons. The World Series of Birding exemplifies how dedicated communities leverage passion and science to protect avian species in a rapidly changing world.
As the clock hits midnight in New Jersey, the race begins—binoculars up, ears tuned, and eyes wide open to capture every flutter and call in a relentless pursuit of avian glory.
