Hudsonian Godwit (left) and Sanderling, photo by Ken Rosenberg

WHAT: The World Series of Birding is a 24-hour birding competition that benefits conservation. Birders  traverse the state of New Jersey, identifying as many species as possible by sight and sound. Supporters pledge money to their favorite teams for each species found. The event raises more than $500,000 for bird conservation annually. Birders can paricipate as individuals or on a team, and prizes are awarded for different categories, such as for best competing team, youth team, and photography team. 
WHERE: Teams can roam the entire state of New Jersey or choose a restricted area within the state, or even a single location ("Big Day Big Stay"). The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Team Sapsucker always competes statewide to maximize the number of species seen, enabling them to raise more money for conservation. The Cornell University student team, The Redheads, competes in the limited geographic range category, focusing their effort on Cape May County.

WHO: The event is organized by New Jersey Audubon, whose important work benefits from registration fees and pledges raised by noncompeting teams. Anyone can participate, as an individual or as part of a team. Members of the Lab's Team Sapsucker are always top-notch birders who are staff or affiliates of the Lab. affiliates. Team sponsor Swarovski Optik pays the team's registration fees and covers expenses. The Lab's larger WSB team includes scouts and those who assist with  behind-the-scenes logistics. Another important part of our team is our valued members and friends who pledge financial support for the birds. In recent years, Team Sapsucker has earned more money for conservation than any other team, thanks to generous supporters. Since 1985, more than $2.1 million has been raised for conservation from Big Day pledges.

HOW: For many teams, the WSB goes beyond the 24-hour birding marathon. The Lab's Sapsuckers team is among those who put time and energy into pre-Big Day scouting, because every species counts. Careful planning begins mid-winter, and discussions about the best route can arise anywhere, anytime, with anyone at the Lab.

WHEN: The WSB begins at midnight on the second Saturday in May and ends 24 hours later. This annual event falls during a time of peak migration in New Jersey.

WHY: Sound crazy to stay up for 24 hours, birding the state of New Jersey for 24 hours? Yes, but Team Sapsucker and The Redheads enjoy the heat of the competition and the camaraderie! And competitive birding has proven a great way to raise awareness of birds and their environments. The World Series of Birding is an important fundraiser for the Lab, raising funds vital to our conservation work on behalf of declining bird species. In the past, WSB pledges have supported Project Tanager, Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project, and Golden-winged Warbler Atlas Project. Funds raised in 2008 will again support conservation and education programs at the Lab. Our conservation efforts include developing a migration-monitoring system based on night flight calls. Our education programs provide training and research opportunities for students, interns, and professional scientists.

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