James E. McGreevey
Governor

William D. Watley
Secretary of Commerce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Karen Wolfe - 609.292.2523
Terri Guess - 609.633.3647

Birding Aficionados To Gather in New Jersey in May

Trenton, N.J. (April 19, 2004)—Did you know that New Jersey is one of the best birding states in North America? Each May, nature enthusiasts gather in Cape May for the annual World Series of Birding. This year the 21st annual event will be held on May 15.

"This is a contest where everyone wins," says Nancy Byrne, executive director of the New Jersey Office of Travel & Tourism. "Participants can experience the state's great ecotourism opportunities, enjoy a fun competition and promote conservation."

First held in 1984, the event has grown considerably as nature buffs from all over the world descend upon New Jersey to participate in the annual contest to tally as many species of birds as can be identified by sight or sound in a 24-hour period.

Focusing on needs of migrating birds, the competition is hosted by the New Jersey Audubon Society. Since 1984, the event has raised over $8 million for bird conservation. The cumulative species total seen is 314 varieties of birds.

For further information on the World Series of Birding, contact the New Jersey Audubon Society at (609) 884-2736 or visit the website at www.worldseriesofbirding.org.

For information on other activities and attractions, contact the New Jersey Office of
Travel & Tourism, at 800-VISITNJ (847-4865); or check the website at www.visitnj.org to order a copy of the 2004 New Jersey Travel Guide.