MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program is responsible for the conservation and protection of wildlife species that are not considered game species and the natural communities that make up their habitats. The focus of the Program is on conservation and restoration of the 427 native plants and animals listed under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act.

Funding for the Program relies, in part, on individual contributions, NOT on general fund tax dollars. Your help does make a difference!  It supports the field surveys, research, habitat management, regulatory review, and land protection for the hundreds of rare creatures and plants in the Bay State.

If you care about the future of our wildlife and wild places here in Massachusetts, you can contribute in one of several ways:

  1. Make a donation on your MA state income tax return (line 33a) for Endangered Wildlife Conservation.

    Contributions by this method in 2017 were $312,297 by just over 23,000 individuals.  (2016 – $302,603, 24,082 individuals contributed)

  2. Make a Direct Donation! (it’s tax deductible)Send a check payable to

    “Comm. of MA-NHESP” and mail to:
    MassWildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA  01581
    – OR –
    Donate online with your credit card as a “Guest Customer” through MassFishHunt, MassWildlife’s licensing system. Direct donations through this method in 2017 totaled $7,891 dollars, up from $6103 in 2016.

There’s plenty of room for improvement!

Reflect on the success of the Bald Eagle restoration effort that began in 1982. This past year, a record-breaking 76 territorial eagle pairs were documented in Massachusetts! Observations from birders and other interested citizens played a big part in this documentation. MassWildlife depends on reports of eagle nests or observations of eagles carrying sticks from birders like you to monitor these magnificent birds.

MassWildlife and others are sure there are more eagle nests out there that haven’t been found or documented. For instance, who will find and confirm the first eagle nest on Cape Cod?!

Additional ways to support NHESP’S efforts can be found at www.mass.gov/service-details/support-endangered-species-conservation

Thank you for your support, whether it’s a donation, reporting observations or telling others about this important program that conserves wildlife for everyone to enjoy!

Remember – line 33a on your Massachusetts state tax return!

Please share!

ANNUAL REPORT 1982

1982 STATISTICAL REPORT  In 1982 the Brookline Bird Club enriched its Massachu-setts Life Species List to 376 with the addition of Townsend's Solitaire, viewed at West Tisbury on January 3rd. Dr. Bob Timberlake’s Falmouth trip [...]

ANNUAL REPORT 1981

1981 STATISTICAL REPORT “My heart is warm with the friends I make And better friends I'll not be knowing There isn’t a [bird trip] I wouldn’t take No matter where it’s going!” (with apologies to [...]

ANNUAL REPORT 1980

1980 STATISTICAL REPORT  During 1980 the Brookline Bird Club observed 313 species of birds as follows: Massachusetts, 299 species; New Hampshire, two additional species; New Jersey to North Carolina, 12 additional species. The 14 species [...]

ANNUAL REPORT 1979

1979 STATISTICAL REPORT  Gray birds gathered us together in 1979. Their fleeting lives were long journeys. While we wondered at the mystery of their comings, and listened to the learned explanations, didn't we delight in [...]

ANNUAL REPORT 1978

1978 STATISTICAL REPORT When he came to grene wode,In a merry mornyngeThere he herde the notes smallOf byrdes mery syngynge. Two wayward birds joined the BBC Massachusetts Life List in 1978. The first. a brilliant yellow, black, [...]

ANNUAL REPORT 1977

1977 STATISTICAL REPORT  The Brookline Bird Club identified 296 species of birds in Massachusetts during 1977, including 17 additions to the Massachusetts Audubon Society Check List as follows:  McCown's Longspur               Bridgewater                1-16  Sandhill Crane                        Bridgewater                1-22  Red-bellied Woodpecker        Southwick                   2-13  Gyrfalcon                                Newburyport              3-5  [...]

ANNUAL REPORT 1982

1982 STATISTICAL REPORT  In 1982 the Brookline Bird Club enriched its Massachu-setts Life Species List to 376 with the addition of Townsend's Solitaire, viewed at West Tisbury on January 3rd. Dr. Bob Timberlake’s Falmouth trip [...]

ANNUAL REPORT 1981

1981 STATISTICAL REPORT “My heart is warm with the friends I make And better friends I'll not be knowing There isn’t a [bird trip] I wouldn’t take No matter where it’s going!” (with apologies to [...]

ANNUAL REPORT 1980

1980 STATISTICAL REPORT  During 1980 the Brookline Bird Club observed 313 species of birds as follows: Massachusetts, 299 species; New Hampshire, two additional species; New Jersey to North Carolina, 12 additional species. The 14 species [...]

ANNUAL REPORT 1979

1979 STATISTICAL REPORT  Gray birds gathered us together in 1979. Their fleeting lives were long journeys. While we wondered at the mystery of their comings, and listened to the learned explanations, didn't we delight in [...]

ANNUAL REPORT 1978

1978 STATISTICAL REPORT When he came to grene wode,In a merry mornyngeThere he herde the notes smallOf byrdes mery syngynge. Two wayward birds joined the BBC Massachusetts Life List in 1978. The first. a brilliant yellow, black, [...]

ANNUAL REPORT 1977

1977 STATISTICAL REPORT  The Brookline Bird Club identified 296 species of birds in Massachusetts during 1977, including 17 additions to the Massachusetts Audubon Society Check List as follows:  McCown's Longspur               Bridgewater                1-16  Sandhill Crane                        Bridgewater                1-22  Red-bellied Woodpecker        Southwick                   2-13  Gyrfalcon                                Newburyport              3-5  [...]

ANNUAL REPORT 1982

1982 STATISTICAL REPORT  In 1982 the Brookline Bird Club enriched its Massachu-setts Life Species List to 376 with the addition of Townsend's Solitaire, viewed at West Tisbury on January 3rd. Dr. Bob Timberlake’s Falmouth trip [...]

ANNUAL REPORT 1981

1981 STATISTICAL REPORT “My heart is warm with the friends I make And better friends I'll not be knowing There isn’t a [bird trip] I wouldn’t take No matter where it’s going!” (with apologies to [...]

ANNUAL REPORT 1980

1980 STATISTICAL REPORT  During 1980 the Brookline Bird Club observed 313 species of birds as follows: Massachusetts, 299 species; New Hampshire, two additional species; New Jersey to North Carolina, 12 additional species. The 14 species [...]

ANNUAL REPORT 1979

1979 STATISTICAL REPORT  Gray birds gathered us together in 1979. Their fleeting lives were long journeys. While we wondered at the mystery of their comings, and listened to the learned explanations, didn't we delight in [...]

ANNUAL REPORT 1978

1978 STATISTICAL REPORT When he came to grene wode,In a merry mornyngeThere he herde the notes smallOf byrdes mery syngynge. Two wayward birds joined the BBC Massachusetts Life List in 1978. The first. a brilliant yellow, black, [...]

ANNUAL REPORT 1977

1977 STATISTICAL REPORT  The Brookline Bird Club identified 296 species of birds in Massachusetts during 1977, including 17 additions to the Massachusetts Audubon Society Check List as follows:  McCown's Longspur               Bridgewater                1-16  Sandhill Crane                        Bridgewater                1-22  Red-bellied Woodpecker        Southwick                   2-13  Gyrfalcon                                Newburyport              3-5  [...]

News Categories

Upcoming Field Trips

  • Parker River NWR

    Parker River NWR - Lot #1 Refuge Rd., Newbury, MA, MA, United States

    We will explore various hot-spots on the refuge for fall migrants. Anything is possible during fall migration! Note that an entrance fee or pass is required to enter Parker River NWR. There are decent bathrooms at lot 1 where we start. Beginners welcome! Late arrivers can phone John at 781 859 9450 to find out [...]

  • Franklin Park – Scarboro Pond (Early Birders Series) Rescheduled from 11/7

    Boston - Franklin Park Tennis Courts (Meeting Spot) MA, United States

    Join fellow birders in their 20s-30s as we visit Franklin Park! Located in Roxbury, Boston’s largest open space is home to a plethora of natural features, including miles of trails, playing fields, a pond, and plenty of birds! Here we will look for all sorts of songbirds, including late fall migrants and early winterers. Whether [...]

  • Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield

    Topsfield - Ipswich River MAS Sanctuary 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA, United States

    We will likely walk 3 or 4 miles on mostly flat trails through sanctuary woodlands and wetlands. Be prepared for some trails being wet, muddy, or rutted. Also take precautions against ticks. There is a small fee required if you are not a member of Mass Audubon. Restrooms open from 8:00 AM. Cosponsored with the [...]

  • Webinar: Birding in Italy with Marco Valtriani from S-Cape Birding Tours

    As a natural north-south bridge between Europe and Africa, Italy is a vitally important region for more than 550 bird species, both migrants and breeders. More than 20% of the “Boot” is under environmental protection, and those areas include many of the most famous reserves and sanctuaries in all of Europe, featuring the greatest diversity [...]

  • Halibut Point State Park, Rockport

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

    A 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 the night before trip.

Go to Top