Count Bird Species During RHA Bird-a-Thon April 27-May 2

BEDMINSTER TWP. - Spring is here, and migratory birds are returning to New Jersey! The nonprofit Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA) aims to record as many bird species as possible within the upper Raritan River watershed during its annual Bird-a-Thon Week - and the public is invited to join in.

The Bird-a-Thon will be held from Monday, April 27, through Saturday, May 2, at several locations in Somerset, Morris, and Hunterdon counties. The week includes guided bird walks open to the public, as well as special programs at local schools, businesses, and organizations.

“It’s a lot of fun to try to find as many bird species as we can,” said Lauren Theis, education director at RHA and organizer of Bird-a-Thon Week. “The event is meant to highlight the important wildlife habitats that exist within the watershed and the species that depend on them. Birds rely on clean water and an available food supply, so their presence is an indicator of environmental health.”

Data collected during the Bird-a-Thon helps to advance bird conservation efforts by documenting the variety of species found in the watershed from year to year.

During last year’s Bird-a-Thon, RHA birding teams identified 120 species, a total that might be hard to top because this year’s event is earlier and some migratory birds might not have arrived yet. But that won’t stop participants from trying!

On Friday, May 1, Riamede Farm at 122 Oakdale Road in Chester will host a fundraising bird walk to benefit RHA from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Led by local wildlife photographer and conservationist Chris Neff, the walk will focus on migratory birds that have arrived at Riamede Farm, as well as resident birds that stay there year-round. Participants should bring binoculars or spotting scopes if they have them. A post-walk BYO happy hour will follow. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. For tickets and more information, visit www.riamedefarm.com.

On Saturday, May 2, RHA will host two free bird walks open to the public as part of its ongoing species count. The first will take place from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve, 2121 Larger Cross Road, Bedminster, the location of RHA’s main headquarters. The second will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at River Road Park, on River Road in Bedminster. These walks are designed for adults and children aged nine and older who are interested in birding. “People at any level, even beginners, are welcome to join us, and we will have experts guiding them,” said Theis. Dogs are not permitted on the walks.

During Bird-a-Thon Week on weekdays, the Raritan Headwaters team will visit schools, businesses, and partner organizations within the watershed to educate children and adults about bird conservation and survey their campuses for as many species as they can find. Any local school, business, club, or organization interested in having RHA staff members visit and lead a bird walk during Bird-a-Thon Week can contact Theis at ltheis@raritanheadwaters.org.

The Bird-a-Thon also raises funds for RHA’s work to protect critical habitats that are so important to the survival of the watershed’s birds.

Anyone who wants to support RHA’s bird conservation and education programs can make a pledge online. For example, said Theis, supporters can pledge an amount of their choosing for each bird species counted during the Bird-a-Thon, or can simply donate a set amount. To pledge, go to https://www.raritanheadwaters.org/birdathon/.

Since 1959, Raritan Headwaters Association has focused on clean water. RHA engages citizens and decision-makers in protecting the Raritan River headwaters region and beyond through science, education, land preservation, and advocacy.  

RHA’s 470-square-mile region provides clean drinking water to 300,000 residents across 38 municipalities in Somerset, Hunterdon, and Morris counties, and directly affects over 1.5 million homes and businesses in New Jersey's densely populated urban areas. To learn more about Raritan Headwaters and its programs, please visit www.raritanheadwaters.org or call 908-234-1852.