Ridge and Valley Conservancy

For eight consecutive years, The Ridge and Valley Wrenegades have participated in the 24-hour NJ Audubon Society's World Series of Birding (WSB), raising funds to directly benefit Ridge and Valley Conservancy. The WSB is the country's largest and most prestigious birding competition. The RVC Wrenegades, a three-person team this year, compete in Category II: Limited Geographic Area, focusing on Warren County.

Over the years, the Wrenegades have encountered some surprising species. One of the most unexpected sightings was the Rusty Blackbird, which has suffered a 90% population decline in just 30 years—making it an increasingly rare find in New Jersey during May.

Additionally, many of the species recorded in past competitions are listed on New Jersey's Threatened (T) and Endangered (E) species list:

• Bald Eagle (E, T)

• Northern Harrier (E)

• Peregrine Falcon (E)

• Pied-billed Grebe (E)

• Red-shouldered Hawk (E)

• American Kestrel (T)

• Bobolink (T)

• Grasshopper Sparrow (T)

• Horned Lark (T)

• Osprey (T)

• Savannah Sparrow (T)

Results for Ridge and Valley Wrenegades in Category 2: Limited Geographic Area

🏅2024 - 125 Species
🥈2023 - 144 Species - Second Place
🥇2022 - 129 Species - First Place
🥇2021 - 139 Species - First Place
🥇2020 - 135 Species - First Place
🥈2019 - 140 Species - Second Place
🏅2018 - 132 Species

Photos courtesy of Wrenegades team captain, Bradley White