The New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Species Program, the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have compiled all rufa red knot peak count methodology and results since spring surveys of Delaware Bay began in 1981. The rufa red knot count for 2026 was 30,414 recorded via ground count on May 26. Counts are up somewhat since record lows in 2021 and 2022. The average of the most recent years (2024 to 2026) is 23,435, with over 20,000 birds counted in 2025 and 2026. 

Link to Full Report

New Jersey Delaware Bay Shorebird Project

Delaware Shorebird Project