Wings Over Mercer

Presented by Wild Bird Research Group

Two illustrated hawks

Save the date for October 3rd, 2026
Mercer County, NJ

Get ready for a high-energy, bird-filled day in the heart of fall migration! Wings Over Mercer 2026 is our second annual birding competition hosted by the Wild Bird Research Group, focused entirely on Mercer County. This event is returning for its second year in 2026 after a massively successful first campaign last year, with over 20 teams and 60 individuals participating.

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just getting started, this friendly competition is a great way to experience the thrill of migration, connect with fellow nature lovers, and support local bird conservation. Teams of birders will spend the day racing against the clock to identify as many bird species as possible across a variety of habitats, from forested preserves and grasslands to wetlands and backyards.

Fall migration peaks in October, making this the perfect time to spot everything from warblers and hawks to shorebirds and sparrows on the move. Join us for a day of community, conservation, and the incredible diversity of birds flying through our region. We can’t wait to see you there!

DETAILS

A Birding Competition Hosted by Wild Bird Research Group
Date: Saturday, October 3rd, 2026
Location: Mercer County, New Jersey
Start Time: Sunrise (~6:00 AM)
End Time: 5:00 PM
Awards Ceremony: 6:00 PM

Register Now


Overview

Wings Over Mercer is a single-day birding competition celebrating fall migration in Mercer County. Teams will compete to identify as many bird species as possible within county lines during the event window. Whether you’re a student team, seasoned expert, or new to birding, there’s a place for you in this fun, friendly, and conservation-focused challenge.

This event not only brings attention to the incredible diversity of birds in Mercer County during fall migration — but it also helps raise awareness for bird conservation and research through the Wild Bird Research Group.

Participation Categories

Teams may register in one of the following categories:

  • Student Team
    Open to high school and college students. Must have at least one adult (teacher, professor, or chaperone) if all participants are under 18

  • Company/Organization Team
    Great for environmental nonprofits, businesses, bird clubs, or government agencies. Team members must all be affiliated with the same organization.

  • New to Birding Team
    Designed for newer birders or casual participants. At least half the team should have under 2 years of birding experience. Perfect for those who want to participate in a low-pressure, learning-focused way.

  • Competitive Team (Overall Winner)

    For experienced birders and listers who want to go all-out. No affiliation or experience limits
Register Now

HEADQUARTERS on event day

Wild Bird Research Group will have our event HEADquarters at Rosedale Park Pavilion.

The Rosedale Park district provides a scenic and tranquil setting for picnics, walks, and other outdoor recreation. A system of trails, including a section of the Lawrence-Hopewell Trail, passes through the woodland and fields of the district, providing easy access to the Stony Brook, Willow Pond, and Rosedale Lake.

424 Federal City Road
Pennington, New Jersey
08534

Our team will be there from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, and the awards ceremony will commence at 6:00 pm
Please plan to meet at our headquarters by 5:00 pm on October 3, 2026 to submit your list and celebrate with us!

Rules & Guidelines

  1. Team Size: Minimum 1 participant, maximum 5.

  2. Geographic Scope: All birds must be seen or heard within Mercer County, NJ.

  3. Time Frame: Birds must be recorded between sunrise and 5:00 PM.

  4. Birds Counted: Wild, free-flying birds only. No captive or domestic species.

  5. Methods: Birds may be identified by sight or sound.

  6. Transportation: Teams may use any mode of transportation, but must stay together as a group at all times.

  7. Ethics: ABA Code of Birding Ethics must be followed at all times. No playback allowed.

  8. Documentation: Rare species (those unusual for the region or time of year) may require supporting notes, photos, or recordings.

  9. Checklists: All teams must submit a checklist via eBird or provided paper form by 5:30 PM.

  10. Tie-breaker: In the event of a tie, the team with the earliest final timestamp will be the winner.

Prizes & Recognition

Top teams in each category will be recognized at the evening awards ceremony. Additional prizes may be awarded for:

  • Most species overall

  • Best bird (rare, unusual, or exciting species)

  • Best team name

  • Spirit of the Event Award (enthusiasm, creativity, or outreach)

Registration & Fees

A flat fee of $25 per team is required for registration, plus $20 for each individual participant.

Example: A solo team will pay $45 total ($25 team fee + $20 participant fee).

Example: A team of five will pay $125 total ($25 team fee + $125 for five participants).

If you’re ready to register your team, PLEASE PAY THE REGISTRATION FEE AND THEN FILL OUT THE TEAM INFO FORM. (YOU WILL RECEIVE A LINK TO THE INFO FORM AFTER PAYING THE REGISTRATION FEE.)
Register Now

Why Participate?

  • Celebrate and explore the amazing bird diversity in Mercer County

  • Compete in a fun, friendly challenge

  • Raise awareness for conservation

  • Connect with fellow birders, nature lovers, and organizations

  • Support Wild Bird Research Group’s mission of science, education, and stewardship.

Want to Volunteer or Sponsor the Event?

We’re looking for event sponsors, award donors, and day-of volunteers to help make the first Wings Over Mercer a success. Please fill out this responder form Click Here or reach out to info@wildbirdresearch.org to get involved!