Hundreds of birders across New Jersey are diving into a nonstop 24-hour birdwatching marathon today, kicking off the 43rd Annual World Series of Birding at midnight. This high-stakes event challenges teams to identify as many bird species as possible within a single day, spanning the crucial peak of spring migration.
Starting their quest in total darkness, the most competitive teams face several hours of night birding—an intense effort few pursue—targeting elusive nocturnal species that are virtually impossible to detect in daylight. In southern New Jersey’s marshes and forests, birders listen for distinctive calls from Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, Barn Owls, and Eastern Screech Owls, with their eerie and unmistakable “hoo-hoo” hoots serving as rare finds.
“The midnight start is all about capitalizing on night-migrating songbirds and vocal owls,” explains New Jersey Audubon, the organizer of the world’s largest birdwatching fundraiser. Songbirds travel under cover of darkness to avoid daytime predators, often vocalizing with faint chip notes. Skilled birders use advanced audio identification techniques to log these invisible species, bridging science and obsession.
By sunrise in Cape May County, the birding frenzy peaks as teams mark more than half their total species before 9 a.m., working through vast landscapes stacked with marsh birds, sea birds, and raptors. They scan skies for flyovers of gulls, terns, gannets, and hawks throughout the day, pushing their stamina over a grueling 15-hour stretch.
Relaxation is scarce but strategic—a short rest during the slow mid-afternoon lull can be critical. Every bird counts during the Big Day race, from the common to the rare, and teams carefully log their finds to maximize their species numbers before the 24 hours expire.
Originally a single competitive “Big Day,” this annual tradition has expanded to welcome diverse participation. Teams may focus on home counties, choose carbon-free birding, or engage in a “Big Stay”—staying put to attract local birds. Importantly, few birders endure nonstop 24-hour activity. More often, participants pace themselves while raising significant funds for wildlife conservation.
New Jersey Audubon reports 85 registered teams this year, drawing participants from across the United States. The World Series of Birding is not just a race but its biggest fundraising platform, supporting numerous conservation groups nationwide.
“The World Series of Birding turns birdwatching into competition and conservation action,” said a New Jersey Audubon spokesperson. “It’s a thrilling way to protect habitats that matter.”
For bird lovers in Ohio and beyond, this event highlights the wonders of migratory patterns and the vital role citizen scientists play in biodiversity monitoring during migration peaks.
Whether tracking hoots at midnight, listening to dawn choruses, or finding rare rails in marshes, birders nationwide are reminded this event blends passion with purpose and adrenaline. New Jersey’s daylong pursuit now shines as a national model for blending excitement with environmental impact.
To support or learn more about the World Series of Birding, visit www.njaudubon.org. The race is on—and the binoculars are up—spotting nature’s finest wingspan, from night calls to daylight flickers.
