Threats to Federal Bird Science Funding
According to the journal Science, the administration has targeted the Ecosystems Mission Area at the U.S. Geological Survey for elimination in its upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 budget request. The Ecosystems Mission Area, with its $307 million annual budget, supports critical biological research on endangered species, climate change, disease, and wildlife conservation. The Office of Management and Budget has directed USGS to gradually shutdown the program, affecting about 1,200 USGS scientists and staff.
The Bird Banding Laboratory and the Breeding Bird Survey are both housed by the Ecosystems Mission Area and are critical to the functions of Federal and State wildlife agencies, Migratory Bird Flyway Councils, and non-governmental organizations.
Scientific societies are rallying behind the Ecosystems Mission Area, weighing in with both the administration and with Members of Congress. Over 70 scientific and conservation organizations have written to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, expressing strong support for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Ecosystems Mission Area and urging the Department to maintain the program area’s funding at the FY25 level in the FY26 federal budget. Information recently obtained by the journal Science indicates that the administration intends to eliminate the entire program area.
The letter highlights the Ecosystems Mission Area program area’s crucial role in providing scientific research and decision-support tools that benefit public safety, environmental health, natural resource management, and public health, and emphasizes that the program’s interdisciplinary science underpins national strategies to respond to environmental and ecological challenges
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Upcoming Field Trips
Field Trips / Events
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Millennium Park
Boston - Millennium Park Canoe Launch 300 Gardner Street, Boston, MA, United StatesJoin us to observe resident birds and winter 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. A water bottle, water proof clothing including a hat, gloves, and trail shoes are recommended. [...]
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Delaney WMA in Stow
Stow - Delaney WMA Boat Launch 353 Harvard Road, Stow, MA, United StatesDelaney WMA in Stow is an Important Bird Area with a variety of habitats, including a shallow lake, a slow-running stream and a marsh, all bordered by mixed conifer/deciduous forest. We’ll go for a slow-paced 2-to-3 mile walk along trails with moderate terrain changes to see how many species we can find.
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Bear Creek Sanctuary (on behalf of Soheil Zendeh and WINWaste)
Saugus - Bear Creek Sanctuary (WINWaste) 100 Salem Turnpike, Saugus, MA, United StatesBear Creek is an upland sanctuary built on the WINWaste (formerly Wheelabrator) landfill at the northeast corner of Rumney Marsh in Saugus and Revere. Access information is below. Wear waterproof walking shoes and be prepared to hike 3 – 4 miles. The property is mostly very open, so be prepared for sun, wind and weather. [...]
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Parker River NWR
Parker River NWR - Lot #1 Refuge Rd., Newbury, MA, MA, United StatesWe 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 [...]
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Franklin Park – Scarboro Pond (Early Birders Series) Rescheduled from 11/7
Boston - Franklin Park Tennis Courts (Meeting Spot) MA, United StatesJoin 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 [...]