Spring 2026 Conservation Alerts
Important conservation issues directly affecting birds and birders are pending in front of the Massachusetts legislature. Please demonstrate your commitment to Massachusetts bird life by taking action now.
Mass Ready Act – Rodenticide Ban
The Mass Ready Act offers an opportunity to ban the use of anticoagulant rodenticides statewide.
Heather Packard from Mass Audubon is asking that supporters call their state representative by May 19. Please ask your rep to request that Chair Aaron Michlewitz and the House Ways & Means Committee strengthen Sections 74 and 75 of the Mass Ready Act by including the language from H5217, which would phase out the use of anticoagulant rodenticides. Mass Audubon hopes to have every state representative receive at least 10 constituent calls on this topic.
This Google Sheet lists includes every state representative, their phone number, and a brief script for the call. Be sure to add an “X” next to you rep’s name after you make the call.
An Act to End the Use of Horseshoe Crabs for Bait
Now is also the time to show our support for Massachusetts House Bill H5266, An Act to End the Use of Horseshoe Crabs for Bait. The original bill has been strengthened and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means for further consideration.
We received a detailed request from the Horseshoe Crab Advocates at the Southeastern Massachusetts Pine Barrens Alliance. They ask that we contact the leadership of the MA House Ways and Means Committee. If your rep is a committee member please reach out to them as well. Rather than try to repeat all the information we received please review this PDF. You will find background on the topic, contact info for state reps, important talking points, and a template for a letter.
The Brookline Bird Club has sent a letter supporting H5266 to the House Ways and Means Committee leadership.
Learn more from the Southeastern Massachusetts Pine Barrens Alliance.
Sunday Hunting Proposal
We are happy to report that budget amendments repealing the state’s Sunday hunting ban have been tabled for now. If there is a change in status we will let you know.
News Categories
Upcoming Field Trips
Field Trips / Events
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Mount Auburn Cemetery
Mount Auburn Cemetery 536 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA, United States -
Spring Migrants at Magazine Beach
Cambridge - Magazine Beach 668 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA, United StatesWe will search for spring migrants and residents including warblers, vireos, sparrows, orioles, flycatchers, swallows, thrushes, raptors, waterfowl, and more. Plan for walking approximately 1.5 miles on gravel paths and grassy fields. Boots recommended as some areas can be muddy. Cosponsored by Massachusetts Audubon Society. Limited parking available in parking circle here https://tinyurl.com/sc5tf3h8 with additional
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Millennium Park
Boston - Millennium Park Canoe Launch 300 Gardner Street, Boston, MA, United StatesJoin us to observe resident birds and spring migrants in a unique urban habitat that is a favorite for many bird species, including uncommon and rare flycatchers, swallows & warblers. Birders of all levels welcome. The trails are generally flat and easy to walk, with some rough patches. A water bottle, sunblock, insect repellent, waterproof
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Halibut Point State Park, Rockport
Rockport - Halibut Point State Park Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, MA, United StatesA two-hour walk, about 1.5 miles, over easy to moderate gravel roads and trails in search of seasonal specialties. Boots advisable. Restrooms are available. In case of inclement weather check with leader night before trip (text ok). Cosponsored by DCR. For more Information see: https://www.mass.gov/locations/halibut-point-state-park
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Allens Pond Mass Audubon Sanctuary, Dartmouth
Dartmouth - Allens Pond - Beach Lot 1284 Horseneck Rd, Westport, MA, United StatesWe will hike the Beach Loop and Quansett Trail. Mostly flat trails, but a mix of sandy, rocky, and muddy areas. We will look for migrants and breeders in a variety of habitats. If there is further interest we will continue to other nearby areas for any specialty species of interest.



