Flying Penguins Win World Series of Birding, Ending Pete Dunnelins' Two-Year Streak
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The Flying Penguins, a high school team from southeast Pennsylvania, won the high school division of the 43rd annual World Series of Birding with a count of 209 species. The defending champions, The Pete Dunnelins, placed second with 206 species, ending their two-year winning streak. The 24-hour competition, organized by New Jersey Audubon, saw 87 teams participate across several divisions.
Facts First
- The Flying Penguins team won the high school division with a count of 209 bird species.
- The defending champion Pete Dunnelins placed second with 206 species, ending their two-year winning streak.
- 87 teams participated in the 24-hour competition across several age-sorted divisions.
- The competition requires unanimous team agreement before a bird species can be listed.
- Jack Trojan, a member of The Pete Dunnelins, will age out of the high school division this fall as he heads to college.
What Happened
The Flying Penguins, a high school team from southeast Pennsylvania, won the high school division of the 43rd annual World Series of Birding on May 9. Their final count was 209 bird species. The defending champions, The Pete Dunnelins, placed second with 206 species. The Pete Dunnelins had won the competition for the previous two years, tying for first place last year with 199 species alongside the same Flying Penguins team. The 24-hour competition, organized by the nonprofit New Jersey Audubon, was held at High Point State Park in New Jersey and involved 87 teams across several divisions.
Why this Matters to You
If you have an interest in nature, science, or youth activities, this story highlights a significant and highly competitive youth event. The detailed planning and teamwork involved—The Pete Dunnelins used a spreadsheet planned “down to the minute”—showcases the dedication of young people in a specialized field. The event's structure emphasizes collaboration and precision, requiring unanimous team agreement for each species counted. For birding enthusiasts, the results from teams like these may contribute to broader citizen science efforts and awareness of local bird populations.
What's Next
The composition of The Pete Dunnelins team may change next year as member Jack Trojan will age out of the high school division this fall when he heads to college. This could open the door for new teams to compete for the title. The annual competition is likely to continue, fostering continued interest in birding and conservation among young people.