A new event is set to bring birders of all levels together in Mercer County this fall. Wings Over Mercer, hosted by the Pennington-based Wild Bird Research Group (WBRG), is a single-day birding competition and fundraiser designed to celebrate the spectacle of fall migration while raising awareness for local bird conservation.Unlike traditional bird counts such as the Christmas Bird Count, which provide standardized data for long-term scientific research, Wings Over Mercer is designed as a more inclusive “bird-a-thon.” Teams—from student groups to seasoned experts—will spend the day identifying as many bird species as possible within county lines. The emphasis, organizers say, is on community, conservation, and fun.
Celebrating Fall Migration
Fall is one of the most dynamic times of year for birding. Experienced participants will have their eyes on tricky migrants like Lincoln’s sparrows and bay-breasted warblers, while novice birders can expect easier sightings of raptors such as broad-winged hawks and merlins. The event aims to showcase this diversity while helping more people connect with nature close to home.
Accessible to All
WBRG stresses that Wings Over Mercer is designed to welcome newcomers. Beginners are encouraged to use tools like the Merlin Bird ID app or a field guide, and the organization will have a station at Reed/Bryan Farm in Mercer Meadows to provide tips and encouragement throughout the day. While official identification during the competition must be done independently, volunteers will be on hand to support those just getting started.
A Strategic Challenge
For teams with a competitive streak, strategy will play a role. Birders are likely to use resources like eBird to map out hot spots across the county, planning routes that cover a mix of habitats—forests, meadows, wetlands, and suburban parks—to maximize the number of species identified.
Why It Matters
By creating an event that is both competitive and accessible, Wings Over Mercer seeks to broaden participation in birding while drawing attention to conservation issues. Funds raised will support the nonprofit’s ongoing research and education programs in central New Jersey.Registration is open now, and details can be found at wildbirdresearch.org/wings-over-mercer.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
Time: All day within Mercer County
Location: Teams choose their routes; WBRG will be stationed at Reed/Bryan Farm in Mercer Meadows
Who Can Participate: Students, seasoned birders, and beginners
Registration: Open online, all are welcome
