On May 19, 1984, 13 teams set out on a quest to tally as many different species of birds as they could – by sight or sound – in 24 hours. This undertaking simultaneously raised money and focused attention on the habitat needs of migrating birds. More than four decades later, the New Jersey Audubon’s World Series of Birding remains a spirited competition that attracts numerous teams and individual participants each spring.

There’s still time to register for this year’s conservation fundraising and awareness-raising event.