On a May morning in 2005, then 20-year-old Andrew Del-Colle and his mom were birding in New Jersey, taking advantage of the huge numbers of migratory birds that funnel through the state, resting and refueling on coasts, wetlands, and woodlands. Suddenly, a van screeched to a halt in front of them, four men armed with binoculars jumped out, listened and looked for all of 30 seconds, nodded to each other, then hopped back into the vehicle and sped off. Those wackadoos were taking part in the World Series of Birding, an annual competition in New Jersey to see the most avian species during a designated 24-hour period. This May marked the 35th anniversary of the event, which is organized and hosted by New Jersey 蜜柚APP. More than 1,000 birders took part, some of them flying across the world to identify, by sight or sound, as many birds as possible in the 166-mile long, 7,500 square mile state. Winners get bragging rights and a trophy. Money is involved, but it all goes to bird...