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

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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

  • An Oasis for Birds at Belle Isle Marsh

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

    Join 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 shorebirds during their peak in migration and passerines that are beginning their southerly migration. Participants are responsible for their own transportation

  • Mt Auburn Cemetery

    Mount Auburn Cemetery 536 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA, United States

    Join us to observe resident birds and fall migrants in a unique urban habitat that is a favorite for many bird species, including uncommon and rare birds. Birders of all levels will enjoy this walk. The trails are (generally) flat though there are some hills. A water bottle, water proof clothing including a hat, sunblock

  • Fruitlands Museum, Harvard

    Harvard - Fruitlands Museum 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard, MA, United States

    Cosponsored with Boxborough Birders. We will look for warblers, thrushes, sparrows, and raptors, among many other birds. Expect to walk about 2 miles on trails through meadow and woods, with some steep sections. Heavy rain cancels the trip.

  • Cold Spring Park, Newton

    Newton - Cold Spring Park 1200 Beacon St, Newton, MA, United States

    This large multi-use city park offers an easy 1.4-mile loop through mixed forest, open green areas, and red maple swamplands, attracting a surprising array of resident and migratory birds. Porta Potties available.

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