A Day of Birding for Conservation

On Saturday, May 8, The Wetlands Institute’s team of irrepressible birders, The Marshketeers, once again gave up sleep for bird conservation, competing in NJ Audubon’s World Series of Birding. After winning the Carbon Footprint Cup last year, The Marshketeers treaded lightly again, taking on the Carbon Footprint Cup for 2021 as well – heading out on foot, bike, and horseback to identify as many bird species as possible while raising funds for the Institute’s coastal bird conservation programs.

They closed the day with 145 species – including this year’s bonus bird, the Blue Grosbeak – bringing the Swarovski Carbon Footprint Cup home again. The real winners, though, were the birds: through generous donations and pledges, The Marshketeers raised more than $6,000, which goes directly to The Wetlands Institute’s coastal bird research and conservation programs and supports the lifesaving work we do on behalf of our imperiled beach-nesting birds.