Internationally renowned birding event expected to raise $150,000 for conservation

Bernardsville NJ, April 29th, New Jersey Audubon announces their 33rd World Series of Birding which takes place on May 14th. This internationally renowned 'Big Day' of birding, held in one of the world's most active migration paths, is the ultimate competitive experience for birders and nature lovers alike. Thousands tune into this annual event and register at www.worldseriesofbirding.org to create a team or support one and help raise money for the cause.

During a period of 24 hours over 100 teams, local to international, will spread across the State of New Jersey counting as many bird species as they can before congregating in Cape May, NJ for the big finish. From midnight to midnight birds are identified by sight or sound and either form of identification counts as one bird. The World Series of Birding welcomes all experience levels of birders as well as all age groups. Interested birders from ages 6 to over 60 participate demonstrating their bird identification skills and share new sighting techniques with fellow birders as well as experience the rush of identifying a rare species first. The World Series of Birding is a once a year event where local conservation groups, schools and youth birding teams join together to share common interests and goals.

"We are excited to see so many diverse organizations, groups and people coming together and collaborating for a like cause while doing something they love and believe in. said Pete Dunne, New Jersey Audubon's Birding Ambassador. "We are all here to enjoy our craft while protecting the wildlife that interests us so much."

This year the event has gone mobile with a free app participants can use to log counts. Now bird species counts can be added on the 'fly' so to speak. To keep participants and observers up to speed the event has also added a real-time tweet feed on the website (www.worldseriesofbirding.org) allowing the audience to feel even closer to the action as it unfolds.

The World Series of Birding includes four levels of participation meaning there is something for everybody to join in, everyone wins, especially the birds.

Level I - Bird Conservation Challenge
Level II - NJ Audubon Ambassador Challenge Level III - Zeiss Youth Challenge
Level IV - Senior Challenge

Pete Dunne adds, "If you can't make the event we encourage all you birders and nature lovers to join in by doing your own local 'Big Day.' Walk around your yard or neighborhood. Stop. Listen. Look. How many birds can you identify?"

The standing record for total species counted in one day is 270. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in New Jersey making this a record waiting to be broken. Stop by the site and register, please visit our sponsors page who help make this amazing event possible, or become one yourself. Donate today by supporting your favorite team and New Jersey Audubon, help us reach our $150,000 goal for conservation.

About New Jersey Audubon:

New Jersey Audubon is a privately supported, not-for profit, statewide conservation organization. Founded in 1897, and one of the oldest independent Audubon societies, New Jersey Audubon is working to make New Jersey a better place for people and wildlife by fostering environmental awareness and conservation ethics among New Jersey's citizens. The organization promotes the preservation of New Jersey's valuable natural habitats by protecting wildlife and plant species, especially those that are endangered and/or threatened. For more information on New Jersey Audubon go to www.njaudubon.org

Contact:
Chris Neff
New Jersey Audubon Director of Communications chris.neff@njaudubon.org 908-396-6660 ext 512