Bird enthusiasts and nature lovers are invited to participate in Raritan Headwaters Association’s (RHA) annual Bird-a-Thon on Saturday, May 3 – either by joining RHA’s birdwatching team or pledging a donation for each species spotted.
“Bird-a-Thon is a fun, day-long event that takes place throughout the scenic upper Raritan River watershed,” explained Lauren Theis, RHA’s education director. “Anyone interested is welcome to join, regardless of their prior birding experience. We will help new team members learn all the basics for enjoying birding.”
The RHA Bird-a-Thon takes place during a time when many migratory birds – including colorful songbirds that winter in the south – are returning to New Jersey for their breeding season.
Throughout the day, RHA’s team, the Watershed Warblers, will explore local wildlife habitats, searching for as many bird species as possible. The goal is to identify at least 110 species in 24 hours.
The Watershed Warblers will be divided into three specialized mini-teams:
• Adult Team: This team will explore public access areas within the watershed that serve as habitats for threatened and endangered bird species, including the Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve in Bedminster, the South Branch Preserve in Mt. Olive, and Echo Hill Park in Flemington.
• Kids Team: Focused on engaging young birders, this team will visit locations offering safe and enjoyable nature access for children. The team and their adult leaders will visit nature preserves such as Natirar Park in Peapack and Far Hills, Spruce Run Reservoir in Clinton, and Dvoor Farm in Flemington.
• Accessible Team: This team will visit sites with wheelchair-accessible trails and observation areas suitable for individuals with disabilities. Specialized equipment, such as scopes and listening devices, will be made available to help participants enjoy birding at sites like Round Valley Reservoir in Lebanon, Willowwood Arboretum in Far Hills, and Veterans Community Park in Randolph.
“We’re excited to make sure that the Bird-a-Thon is accessible to everyone,” said Theis, a captain for Birdability, a national organization working to ensure birding and outdoor activities are accessible and welcoming to all.
Anyone interested in joining Raritan Headwaters’ mini-teams can contact Theis at ltheis@raritanheadwaters.org.
Community members can contribute to the Bird-a-Thon by making a flat donation or pledging a specific amount for each bird species identified during the event. Supporters will be able to follow the Watershed Warblers teams’ progress on May 3 by checking RHA’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Funds raised by the Bird-a-Thon will support RHA’s conservation efforts, including the protection of critical habitats, restoration of streams and forests, and education for children and adults about the importance of clean water and biodiversity.
