Bring Back Bobolinks!

This year the BBC is introducing new Endangered Species Program. Each year we plan to focus on a single bird species facing serious threats in Massachusetts and elsewhere. With this effort we hope to provide a way for all of us to address the decline of birds in our state. Our initial focus is on a charismatic grassland bird – Bring Back Bobolinks!

According to the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, bird populations have declined by nearly 3 billion, or over 25% since 1970. The 2025 State of the Birds report by National Audubon highlighted declines in grassland areas, where populations have dropped by 43%.

With these facts in mind, your board has picked the Bobolink as the first subject of our program. Your club will provide a number of fun ways you can actively participate in learning about these birds, their habitat, and conservation efforts to stem their decline.

Raffle Fundraiser for the Bobolink

As part of Bring Back Bobolinks, the BBC is holding a raffle fundraiser to support conservation activities such as the Bobolink Project cosponsored by Mass Audubon and the Trustees Grassland Bird Survey Program. The winner receives an original artwork of Bobolinks kindly donated by Barry Van Dusen. This is an original, signed watercolor painting valued at $350-$400.

We encourage everyone to participate in the raffle online. All funds from ticket sales will go to support the Bobolink. If you would prefer to donate without entering the raffle you can do so on the Donation Page.

Bobolink Walks

Plan to join us on one of several walks dedicated to seeking out Bobolinks in their breeding habitat:

• May 23: Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary, Marshfield
• June 1: Essex County Walk and Nature Jounaling
• June 14: Chestnut Hill Farm, Southboro
• June 14: Ocean View Farm, Dartmouth
• June 21: Farm Meadow, Lincoln
• June 27: Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary, Marshfield
• June 28: Norfolk Airport (New!)
• July 1: Appleton Farms with the Grassland Survey Team (New!) – Rain date July 2
• July 6: Heard Farm, Wayland (New!)
• July 7: Drumlin Farm, Lincoln (New!)

Bobolink Stickers

You might already have seen our new Bobolink Sticker at the tables at the entrance. To get one just attend one of our Bobolink walks or join the BBC.

Bobolinks on the Brink: What do Bobolinks Tell Us about Our Relationship with the Land, and How Can We Protect Them?

Hyla Howe - Boblinks on the Brink

Mass Audubon’s Grassland Bird Biologist Hyla Howe spoke about our first endangered species spotlight: the Bobolink!

Bobolink populations closely intertwine with shifting land use patterns and agricultural practices. Conservation solutions to protect them are complex.

Hyla shared observations from the field, insights from conversations with farmers and landowners, takeaways from efforts to improve and scale the Bobolink Project, and results from a regional land use change analysis. She describes where Bobolink conservation stands today, and what you can do to help.

More to Come!

We have more fun activities lined up, so stay tuned to our newsletters, website and social media!