Cornell Students Seek World Series of Birding Title

Ithaca, N.Y.-A team of Cornell students has feathers, finals, and fundraising on their minds. On the heels of semester-ending exams comes another big test: the annual World Series of Birding competition in Cape May, New Jersey, on May 11.

Five top birders on Team Redhead are representing the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in the 30th annual World Series. The goal is to identify the most species of birds by sight or sound in 24 hours. The Redheads will scour the length and breadth of Cape May County, where last year's team found 168 species, earning second place in that division.

"This will be my first time on a World Series of Birding team and I'm so excited!" says Cornell sophomore Teresa Pegan. "It's somewhat of a dream come true to be able to take a break from finals and just watch birds in Cape May for a few days of scouting, and I can't wait for the competition itself."

Supporters make a donation to spur the team's efforts-funds that are earmarked for undergraduate research and conservation studies. Projects made possible include team member Andy Johnson's geo-tracking work on Whimbrels--an effort to pinpoint vital habitat along their migration route through the Western Hemisphere and how the species may be affected by climate change. The first Redhead Fund-supported project was a student expedition that resulted in the discovery of a new species, the Sira Barbet, in an unexplored area of central Peru.


Watch this video to meet the 2013 student team and learn about conservation projects made possible by the Redhead Fund. Team member Benjamin Van Doren also received Redhead funds to pursue tropical bird studies in Ecuador. "I want to ensure the Redhead Fund continues to provide students with opportunities to pursue bird research and conservation projects," Van Doren says.

Sophomore co-captain Ben Barkley competed last year and says it was one of the greatest birding experiences of his life. "The World Series of Birding is an incredibly fun event and it is truly special to be competing this year on behalf of all Cornell birders, " Barkley says. "May 11 can't come soon enough!"

Keep track of Team Redhead during scouting week and during the race to the finish line on May 11 on the team's Facebook page and please donate to support their efforts at www.birds.cornell.edu/wsb/give.