U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is now proposing a permanent rule change to the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Contest (known as the Duck Stamp) that would make the theme “Celebrating Our Waterfowl Hunting Heritage” and the mandatory inclusion of an appropriate hunting element permanent, beginning with the 2020 Contest.
The Brookline Bird Club has long asked birders to support the National Wildlife Refuge System through their purchase of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Contest (known as the Duck Stamp).
We urge each of you to comment. The Brookline Bird Club opposes this proposal.
The comment period ends March 16.
We believe that increasing sales of the Stamp and strengthening the Duck Stamp program should be the top objectives when considering any change. This proposed change discourages sales to new purchasers outside the hunting community. Fewer sales lead to less land preservation and protection of habitat. The Duck Stamp program needs to be strengthened and to focus on creating common ground for support for the future of American wildlife.
From Parker River to Monomoy to Silvio O. Conte, birders value the National Wildlife Refuges in Massachusetts. In Massachusetts alone, 15,290 acres have been acquired through MBCF funds, including 97.8 percent of Monomoy NWR and 97.7 percent of Parker River NWR (https://www.fws.gov/refuges/realty/pdf/MBCFAcres2015.pdf). Through club trips and individual visits, we explore these lands year after year. We volunteer and serve on the boards of local Friends groups. These lands are central to our birding experiences and are treasured by our community.
Sales of the Stamp have generated more than a billion dollars for conservation since 1934. For every dollar you spend on Stamps, ninety-eight cents goes directly to protecting vital wetland habitat as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Your Stamp will also provide admission to refuges charging entrance fees, such as Parker River. With our large membership, purchasing a $25 Stamp can make a significant contribution to the continued protection of these important habitats.
For more information, go to www.friendsofthestamp.org
For a more detailed Action Alert, click here.
In order to comment, go to https://tinyurl.com/duck-stamp-rules-change.
We urge you to comment on this proposed change.
Membership Secretary Needed
The Brookline Bird Club is seeking a qualified individual to fill the role of Membership Secretary. Skills preferred for this important Board position include familiarity with using a database program, timely and efficient processing [...]
Update: Rio Grande Valley Land Fund Salineno birding tract
An update from Vicky Guerra via Rio Grande Valley Birding: The final order of dismissal of the government's condemnation lawsuit against Valley Land Fund's Salineno birding tract was signed in late September. The title [...]
BBC’s New Code of Ethics and Conduct
BBC’s new Code of Ethics and Conduct If you are involved with the Brookline Bird Club, we know that you have a great love for and appreciation of birds and nature. The BBC is [...]
BBC & Athol Bird and Nature Club Walk
On Friday, September 10th, 6 BBC members enjoyed the Athol Bird and Nature Club -- Brookline Bird Club's co-sponsored walk along Quabbin Reservoir's Gate 35 path. Warblers, thrushes, and other passerines, hawks, Bald [...]
BBC Board Members Go Birding
BBC Board members took some much-needed time to do what it does well: go birding! We joined leader Linda Ferraresso for an early October walk at Mass Audubon's Boston Nature Center, in Mattapan, where [...]
VIRTUAL FALL MEETING
You are invited to join us for the BROOKLINE BIRD CLUB 2021 VIRTUAL FALL MEETING October 27, 2021 7:00 – 8:30 PM Register at Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1BQ6FWYRT8earn6zIPeNug Guest Speaker: ROSEMARY MOSCO Cartooning for Bird Conservation Join [...]
Membership Secretary Needed
The Brookline Bird Club is seeking a qualified individual to fill the role of Membership Secretary. Skills preferred for this important Board position include familiarity with using a database program, timely and efficient processing [...]
Update: Rio Grande Valley Land Fund Salineno birding tract
An update from Vicky Guerra via Rio Grande Valley Birding: The final order of dismissal of the government's condemnation lawsuit against Valley Land Fund's Salineno birding tract was signed in late September. The title [...]
BBC’s New Code of Ethics and Conduct
BBC’s new Code of Ethics and Conduct If you are involved with the Brookline Bird Club, we know that you have a great love for and appreciation of birds and nature. The BBC is [...]
BBC & Athol Bird and Nature Club Walk
On Friday, September 10th, 6 BBC members enjoyed the Athol Bird and Nature Club -- Brookline Bird Club's co-sponsored walk along Quabbin Reservoir's Gate 35 path. Warblers, thrushes, and other passerines, hawks, Bald [...]
BBC Board Members Go Birding
BBC Board members took some much-needed time to do what it does well: go birding! We joined leader Linda Ferraresso for an early October walk at Mass Audubon's Boston Nature Center, in Mattapan, where [...]
VIRTUAL FALL MEETING
You are invited to join us for the BROOKLINE BIRD CLUB 2021 VIRTUAL FALL MEETING October 27, 2021 7:00 – 8:30 PM Register at Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1BQ6FWYRT8earn6zIPeNug Guest Speaker: ROSEMARY MOSCO Cartooning for Bird Conservation Join [...]
Membership Secretary Needed
The Brookline Bird Club is seeking a qualified individual to fill the role of Membership Secretary. Skills preferred for this important Board position include familiarity with using a database program, timely and efficient processing [...]
Update: Rio Grande Valley Land Fund Salineno birding tract
An update from Vicky Guerra via Rio Grande Valley Birding: The final order of dismissal of the government's condemnation lawsuit against Valley Land Fund's Salineno birding tract was signed in late September. The title [...]
BBC’s New Code of Ethics and Conduct
BBC’s new Code of Ethics and Conduct If you are involved with the Brookline Bird Club, we know that you have a great love for and appreciation of birds and nature. The BBC is [...]
BBC & Athol Bird and Nature Club Walk
On Friday, September 10th, 6 BBC members enjoyed the Athol Bird and Nature Club -- Brookline Bird Club's co-sponsored walk along Quabbin Reservoir's Gate 35 path. Warblers, thrushes, and other passerines, hawks, Bald [...]
BBC Board Members Go Birding
BBC Board members took some much-needed time to do what it does well: go birding! We joined leader Linda Ferraresso for an early October walk at Mass Audubon's Boston Nature Center, in Mattapan, where [...]
VIRTUAL FALL MEETING
You are invited to join us for the BROOKLINE BIRD CLUB 2021 VIRTUAL FALL MEETING October 27, 2021 7:00 – 8:30 PM Register at Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1BQ6FWYRT8earn6zIPeNug Guest Speaker: ROSEMARY MOSCO Cartooning for Bird Conservation Join [...]
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Upcoming Field Trips
Squantum – Quincy (CANCELED, MOVED TO AUGUST 2 & AUGUST 17)
Quincy - Squantum - Moswetuset Hummock Quincy, MA, United StatesThis trip was listed by mistake. Due to the tides, the best dates are August 2 and August 17. Please see those listings.
Belle Isle Marsh Marine Ecology Park, Winthrop
Winthrop - Belle Isle March and Marine Ecology Park Banks Street, Winthrop, MA, United StatesJoin the Brookline Bird Club in collaboration with Boston Nature Center to look for birds in a unique urban habitat that often draws numerous uncommon and rare birds. Target species include bobolinks, dunlin, egrets, falcons, hawks, herons, ibis, oystercatchers, plovers, ravens, sandpipers, sparrows, swallows & swifts, terns, warblers, vultures, and yellowlegs. Birders of all levels [...]
Shorebirds & More at Parker River NWR
Parker River NWR - Lot #1 Refuge Rd., Newbury, MA, MA, United StatesWe will be looking for Shorebirds and other Refuge specialties. We will drive and walk to various places on the Refuge. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required. Restroom available.
Squantum – Quincy
Quincy - Squantum - Moswetuset Hummock Quincy, MA, United StatesWe'll check the marshes and the mudflats in Squantum for shorebirds, starting at Moswetuset Hummock and visiting other spots nearby. At high tide (~6:15 am), we'll try checking the high tide roosts for shorebirds as well. Be prepared for the possibility of biting insects. Cosponsored with South Shore Bird Club.
An Oasis for Birds at Belle Isle Marsh
East Boston - Belle Isle Parking Lot 1399 Bennington Street, Boston, MA, United StatesJoin DCR park staff for a relaxed, one-mile bird walk through flat, easy terrain at this Massachusetts State Reservation and birding hot spot. At Belle Isle and at additional nearby locations— We’ll search for large groups of herons and egrets, and shorebird rarities. Participants are responsible for their own transportation between locations (by car or [...]