One of WBRG’s founding goals has always been to make bird research and birding more accessible. Yet one of the biggest barriers for new participants has always been equipment. Binoculars are the essential tool for any birder, but not everyone owns a pair. Thanks to NOCS, that obstacle disappears this year.
Through their sponsorship, NOCS is providing binoculars on loan during the event, ensuring that anyone who wants to take part in Wings Over Mercer can do so—no matter their experience level or whether they own gear. As WBRG Executive Director Sean Graesser explains:
“Birding should be for everyone. By stepping up to provide binoculars, NOCS is helping us live out that vision. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or someone who’s never even looked through optics before, Wings Over Mercer is open to you.”
Spotlight on NOCS Provisions
Based in California, NOCS Provisions has built its reputation on crafting high-quality, durable binoculars designed for adventure seekers, naturalists, and everyday explorers. Their optics combine serious performance with a fun, approachable design, encouraging more people to get outside and connect with the natural world. With their motto “Never stop exploring”, NOCS has become a favorite among young outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and now—birders of all levels.
A Competition with a Twist
Wings Over Mercer, happening Saturday, October 4, 2025, is Mercer County’s first ever bird-a-thon–style competition. Teams will spend the day racing against the clock to identify as many bird species as possible across forests, wetlands, grasslands, and neighborhoods throughout the county.
But this year, thanks to NOCS, there’s an exciting new category: the NOCS Solo Spotter Challenge.
• This category is designed for individuals who want to bird on their own.
• At the end of the day, the solo participant with the highest species total will be crowned the NOCS Solo Spotter.
• The grand prize? A brand-new pair of NOCS Provisions Pro Issue binoculars, valued at over $200, to take home and continue exploring long after Wings Over Mercer ends.
This category not only rewards top birders but also encourages newcomers who may want to try their first competition at their own pace.
Science, Fun, and Conservation
Why does a competition like this matter? Beyond the thrill of spotting dozens—or even hundreds—of bird species in a single day, the data collected through birding events adds to our understanding of migration and local biodiversity. Mercer County lies in the Atlantic Flyway, one of the world’s most important migration corridors. Every October, tens of thousands of birds funnel through New Jersey, from warblers and hawks to sparrows and shorebirds.
By participating in Wings Over Mercer, birders are helping WBRG raise awareness for conservation research on three flagship species: the American Kestrel, Northern Saw-whet Owl, and Long-eared Owl. Proceeds from the event will support projects like kestrel nest-box installations, owl migration tracking, and long-term habitat studies at the group’s Fiddler’s Creek research station.
Join the Flock
Whether you’re a lifelong birder or someone who just downloaded your first birding app, Wings Over Mercer is your chance to celebrate the fall migration, learn, and contribute to conservation science. And thanks to NOCS Provisions, you don’t need to bring your own binoculars—just your curiosity and enthusiasm.
Registration is now open, with categories for students, beginners, organizations, open teams, and of course, the brand-new NOCS Solo Spotter Challenge.
