Beak Week is an exciting, new, week-long birding competition happening in New Jersey this April. Participants of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate by creating a team, competing as a pair, or testing individual skills.

Registrants will collect pledges and spend the week of April 17–24 exploring a wide variety of New Jersey bird habitats including woodland forests, shores and wetlands, and even urban landscapes. During these explorations, participants will listen intently to calls, look through binoculars to identify colors and patterns, and record as many different species of birds as they possibly can. Lists will be compiled and winners with the most species of birds will be announced after the completion of the week-long competition.

This competition is a new birding adventure and community celebration of nature and conservation. Prior birding experience is not necessary. Whether someone is brand new to birding or a seasoned veteran, Beak week is an opportunity to get involved, have fun, and learn more about feathered friends soaring through the sky. More information regarding the rules and benefits of this birdathon and how to get involved can be found at hartshornarboretum.org/support/beak-week-2026. Beak week is organized and run by the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary in Short Hills, but the competition will happen throughout New Jersey.