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.

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Brookline Bird Club 2017 Statistical and Year-End Report By Sabrina Hepburn, Club Statistician Beginning in 2016, the Brookline Bird Club made a significant shift in how we keep records and club trip reports. instead of [...]

TIME TO RENEW YOUR BBC MEMBERSHIP!

It's time to renew your BBC membership for 2017! The Brookline Bird Club membership runs on a calendar year basis.  By sending in your renewal now, you help us save printing and mailing costs for [...]

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Brookline Bird Club 2017 Statistical and Year-End Report By Sabrina Hepburn, Club Statistician Beginning in 2016, the Brookline Bird Club made a significant shift in how we keep records and club trip reports. instead of [...]

TIME TO RENEW YOUR BBC MEMBERSHIP!

It's time to renew your BBC membership for 2017! The Brookline Bird Club membership runs on a calendar year basis.  By sending in your renewal now, you help us save printing and mailing costs for [...]

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Brookline Bird Club 2017 Statistical and Year-End Report By Sabrina Hepburn, Club Statistician Beginning in 2016, the Brookline Bird Club made a significant shift in how we keep records and club trip reports. instead of [...]

TIME TO RENEW YOUR BBC MEMBERSHIP!

It's time to renew your BBC membership for 2017! The Brookline Bird Club membership runs on a calendar year basis.  By sending in your renewal now, you help us save printing and mailing costs for [...]

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Upcoming Field Trips

  • Belle Isle Marsh and Vicinity

    East Boston - Belle Isle Parking Lot 1399 Bennington Street, Boston, MA, United States

    Led by DCR staff. We will search on foot up to one mile, on flat, easy terrain for snowy owls and other raptors, native sparrows, finches, waterfowl, and other birds. This is a traveling program by car or bike. Prepare for ticks. Ages: Adults and kids 8 years+ with adult chaperone. Binoculars recommended. ADA/Reasonable Accommodations [...]

  • Early Birders @ Chestnut Hill Reservoir, Boston

    Chestnut Hill Reservoir 2420 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, United States

    Join fellow birders in their 20s-30s as we visit Chestnut Hill Reservoir for a low-key bird outing before the new year! Located on the outskirts of Boston next to Boston University, Chestnut Hill Reservoir is a former water supply distribution reservoir that is a hot spot for waterfowl activity & other residents. Expect to walk [...]

  • Race Point Beach

    Provincetown - Race Point Beach

    Let’s start the year with some awesome birds! We will bird from the beach close to the parking lot. We may walk the beach depending on participants interest. Several species of alcids are possible as well as gannets, Iceland and Glaucous Gulls and three loon species. Dress for cold windy weather. We may try other [...]

  • New Year’s Day Birding — Newburyport and Vicinity

    Newburyport - Cashman Park 68 Sally Snyder Way, Newburyport, MA, United States

    Join us on our annual New Year’s Day birding trip! We may also venture on to Cape Ann. In case of inclement weather check with leader night before trip. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required to visit Parker River NWR.

  • Belle Isle Marsh and Vicinity

    East Boston - Belle Isle Parking Lot 1399 Bennington Street, Boston, MA, United States

    Led by DCR staff. We will search on foot up to one mile, on flat, easy terrain for snowy owls and other raptors, native sparrows, finches, waterfowl, and other birds. This is a traveling program by car or bike. Prepare for ticks. Ages: Adults and kids 8 years+ with adult chaperone. Binoculars recommended. ADA/Reasonable Accommodations [...]

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