Three Teenagers Count 206 Bird Species, But Fall Just Short of Title
"The Pete Dunnelins" placed second in their division, logging 206 species.
LINDEN, NJ — Three teenagers from New Jersey, known as The Pete Dunnelins, participated in the 43rd annual World Series of Birding, a grueling 24-hour competition to count the most bird species in the state. The team—16-year-old Otys Train, 17-year-old Jack Trojan, and 16-year-old Zade Pacetti—had won the high school division for the previous two years.
In this year's event, they counted 206 species, falling short of their goal of 200 but placing second in their division behind the Flying Penguins, who recorded 209 species.
The Chase
The competition began at midnight on a Saturday and ended at midnight the following day. The team spent the day traveling across New Jersey, from north to south, visiting a variety of habitats including a park, marshland, woods, roadside, and a wildlife refuge.
They identified birds by sight and sound, often staying in their vehicle for efficiency. Their fathers drove and provided support. The team used a detailed schedule planned down to the minute, though they faced delays and challenges from weather and unpredictable bird behavior.
Notable sightings included a monk parakeet, a sora, a sharp-shinned hawk nest, and a yellow-breasted chat. The team's final bird of the day was a king rail.
Background
The World Series of Birding is organized by New Jersey Audubon and serves as both a competition and a fundraiser for conservation. This year, 87 teams competed in various age divisions. The Pete Dunnelins have been friends since 2021 and have trained through birding camps and mentorship from experienced birders.
In Their Own Words
Jack Trojan, team captain: "We planned everything down to the minute, but birds don't follow schedules. You have to be ready for anything."
Otys Train: "I memorized bird calls so we can identify them without even stopping the car. It saves so much time."
Jeff Train, Otys' father and team mentor: "These teenagers have developed remarkable planning and birding skills. They run the show. We're just the chauffeurs."
Tom Reed, migration count coordinator and mentor: "Luck plays a significant role. You can be the best birder in the world, but if the birds aren't there, you can't count them."
The Outcome
The Pete Dunnelins congratulated the Flying Penguins and exchanged notes without revealing their best birding locations. Jack Trojan will age out of the high school division next year due to starting college, but suggested he could serve as a mentor. His teammates expressed uncertainty about that arrangement.
Key Details at a Glance:
- Competition: 43rd World Series of Birding
- Duration: 24 hours (midnight to midnight)
- Team Name: The Pete Dunnelins
- Division: High school
- Species Counted: 206
- Place: 2nd
- Winning Team: Flying Penguins (209 species)