Do you enjoy birding but never participated in a birdathon? Don’t be intimidated! The Wings Over Mercer birding event is open to everyone who is interested in celebrating fall migration while raising awareness for bird conservation. The emphasis is on community, conservation and fun. Participate as an individual or in teams of up to five people. Choose from NOCS Solo Spotter (individual), Student Team, Company/Organization Team, New to Birding Team, or Competitive Team (Overall Winner) categories.
When: Timing Your Birding Adventure
Birds are most active during the early morning (sunrise to 10 AM) and just before sunset, providing perfect lighting and opportunities to see them feeding and flying.
Beginner Tips for Timing:
- Start at sunrise to catch the dawn chorus when birds are most vocal
- Expect to see the fewest birds during midday
- Try starting with forest habitat where it will be harder to spot birds during the day and then move on to open habitats like grasslands and wetlands later in the day
Where: Finding the Best Birding Spots
Seek out a variety of habitats to see as many species as possible. Woodland edges offer food and shelter as well as good visibility. There are many Hot Spots in Mercer County perfect for spotting fall migrants.
Beginner-Friendly Habitat Guide:
- Water Sources: Ponds, streams, and wetlands attract drinking birds and offer clear sight lines. Look for shorebirds, waterfowl, and songbirds coming to drink
- Forest Edges: Where woods meet fields or clearings, you’ll find the greatest variety of species. These transition zones provide both insects and berries
- Open Fields: Great for spotting raptors, sparrows, and blackbirds. Position yourself at field edges with sun at your back
How: Essential Gear and Preparation
Install the Merlin Bird ID App and plan a route ahead of time. Stop by Wings Over Mercer home base at the Reed/Bryan Farm in Mercer Meadows to grab a loaner set of NOCS binoculars, check out some merch, and grab a snack.
Beginner’s Birding Toolkit:
- Binoculars: 8×32 or 8×42 are ideal for beginners (available to borrow at home base)
- Merlin: the free Merlin Bird ID includes photos, sounds, and range maps specific to your location. It can help identify species but shouldn’t be relied on as the only means of identifying species, especially with sound ID.
- Comfortable Shoes: Choose quiet, non-slip footwear for varied terrain
- Layered Clothing: Fall weather can change quickly; earth tones help you blend in
Getting Ready Tips:
- Learn Common Species First: Focus on 10-15 birds you’re likely to see rather than trying to memorize everything
- Practice at Home: Start by learning birds in your backyard or local park ahead of Wings Over Mercer
- Use Your Ears: Bird calls often lead you to hidden species. Merlin’s Sound ID feature can give you hints at what is calling but try to get a visual ID as sometimes it gets the ID wrong.
- Move Slowly: Quick movements startle birds. Walk quietly and pause frequently
- Don’t Stress Perfect IDs: It’s okay to record “unknown warbler” or “sparrow species”—focus on enjoying the experience
Route Planning for Success:
- Plan a mix of habitats within your time limit
- Include backup locations in case your primary spots are quiet
- Leave time for unexpected discoveries—some of the best birding happens when you’re not rushing
Why Participate?
Beyond the thrill of spotting migrating birds, your participation supports crucial conservation efforts and contributes valuable data about bird populations and migration patterns. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or picking up binoculars for the first time, the Wings Over Mercer birdathon welcomes you to join this community celebration of our feathered friends.
Sign up to participate, donate to support the cause or volunteer your time. Remember, every bird counts—and every birder started as a beginner. Come discover the joy of fall migration and help make a difference for bird conservation!
