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.

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

The Brookline Bird Club (BBC) recorded 275 species for 2023, based upon 200 trips reported from Massachusetts, and those from out of state.  We recorded 267 species in Massachusetts, three more than 2022, with 8

ANNUAL REPORT 2022

The Brookline Bird Club (BBC) recorded 276 species for 2022, based upon 204 reported trips. Of those, 264 species were recorded in Massachusetts, with 12 additional species reported from the out-of-state trips to New Hampshire

ANNUAL REPORT 2021

Brookline Bird Club 2021 Statistical and Year-End Report By David Scott, Club Statistician The Brookline Bird Club recorded 270 species for 2021, based upon 206 reported trips. Two-hundred and sixty-five species were recorded in Massachusetts,

Renew membership now!

Calling all BBC members - annual memberships expire December 31st 2024. Renew today for the 2025 calendar year to continue uninterrupted access to member benefits including our blue book mailings, member webinars, and more! Membership

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

The Brookline Bird Club (BBC) recorded 275 species for 2023, based upon 200 trips reported from Massachusetts, and those from out of state.  We recorded 267 species in Massachusetts, three more than 2022, with 8

ANNUAL REPORT 2022

The Brookline Bird Club (BBC) recorded 276 species for 2022, based upon 204 reported trips. Of those, 264 species were recorded in Massachusetts, with 12 additional species reported from the out-of-state trips to New Hampshire

ANNUAL REPORT 2021

Brookline Bird Club 2021 Statistical and Year-End Report By David Scott, Club Statistician The Brookline Bird Club recorded 270 species for 2021, based upon 206 reported trips. Two-hundred and sixty-five species were recorded in Massachusetts,

Renew membership now!

Calling all BBC members - annual memberships expire December 31st 2024. Renew today for the 2025 calendar year to continue uninterrupted access to member benefits including our blue book mailings, member webinars, and more! Membership

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

The Brookline Bird Club (BBC) recorded 275 species for 2023, based upon 200 trips reported from Massachusetts, and those from out of state.  We recorded 267 species in Massachusetts, three more than 2022, with 8

ANNUAL REPORT 2022

The Brookline Bird Club (BBC) recorded 276 species for 2022, based upon 204 reported trips. Of those, 264 species were recorded in Massachusetts, with 12 additional species reported from the out-of-state trips to New Hampshire

ANNUAL REPORT 2021

Brookline Bird Club 2021 Statistical and Year-End Report By David Scott, Club Statistician The Brookline Bird Club recorded 270 species for 2021, based upon 206 reported trips. Two-hundred and sixty-five species were recorded in Massachusetts,

Renew membership now!

Calling all BBC members - annual memberships expire December 31st 2024. Renew today for the 2025 calendar year to continue uninterrupted access to member benefits including our blue book mailings, member webinars, and more! Membership

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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 large groups of herons and egrets, and shorebird rarities. Participants are responsible for their own transportation between locations (by car or

  • Halibut Point State Park, Rockport

    Rockport - Halibut Point State Park Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, MA, United States

    Beginners encouraged. A two-hour walk over easy to moderate trails in search of seasonal specialties. Boots advisable. Co-sponsored by DCR.

  • Parker River Marsh Cruise

    Newburyport - Yankee Clipper Tours Waterfront Promenade Park, 36 Merrimac Street, Newburyport, MA, United States

    Explore Parker River National Wildlife Refuge from a new perspective on a cruise through the Parker River marshes! Join us on the Yankee Clipper docked in Newburyport Harbor for a leisurely cruise through the Refuge. Enjoy close views of shorebirds, gulls, terns, and Saltmarsh Sparrows on this tour. Group discount tickets are available by registering

  • Great Meadows NWR, Concord

    Concord - Great Meadows Concord Unit, Entrance Rd, Concord, MA, United States

    We will walk slowly along the dike looking for rails, shorebirds, and wading birds. The we will continue to an adjacent site where we have permission to enter private property, to look for Night-Herons. On our return, we will look for migrating Common Nighthawks! Note that entrance fee or pass is required. Loaner binoculars available;

  • Shorebirds, Herons, Swallows, & More at Parker River NWR

    Parker River NWR - Lot #4 Newbury, MA, United States

    Shorebirds, Herons, & Swallows. Bring a chair, bug spray, and water. Trip runs until dark. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required. Restroom available.

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