Birding News and Features
State of the Birds is Here!
Mass Audubon's State of the Birds report has arrived. With up-to-date data from the Breeding Bird Atlas, Breeding Bird Survey, and Christmas Bird Count, State of the Birds features a comprehensive science-driven analysis of Massachusetts birdlife. Learn which birds are thriving and which birds are imperiled, as well as the causes behind these changes and what we can do about them. Dig deeper into the data and download your free PDF copy of the report at the State of the Birds Website.
Coming Soon: State of the Birds
Mass Audubon is pleased to announce the upcoming release of the first-ever State of the Birds report for Massachusetts. This document will include the latest trends and information pertaining to the hundreds of bird species which regularly appear in the Bay State, as well as their conservation status. Several of the state's longest-running bird monitoring programs, including the Breeding Bird Atlas, Breeding Bird Survey, and Christmas Bird Count come together to paint a richly detailed picture of changing bird populations in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The State of the Birds will be released to the public in September of 2011.
Bird-a-thon
Hey birders! Nobody needs an excuse to go out and bird, but why not do it for a great cause? Mass Audubon's annual Bird-a-thon is coming up, May 13-14. Starting at 6pm on the 13th, teams and individuals from all over the state will attempt to see as many species of birds as they can within the 24-hour period. Every team can make use of skilled birders, enthusiastic fundraisers, and interested parties of all stripes. Each team will raise money in pledges to support sanctuaries and conservation programs at Mass Audubon. Don't want to spend 24 hours running all over the state? Just bird locally and reduce your carbon footprint! Don't feel like joining a team? Become a Virtual Birder, allowing you to bird and fundraise at your own pace. Visit the Bird-a-thon website to donate, join a team, or learn more!
Statewide Volunteer Day
Every day is a great day to volunteer for Mass Audubon, but on April 30, many of our sanctuaries will be throwing open the doors to welcome volunteers from all over the state for one big celebration of do-it-yourself spirit! Take a 3-hour shift and work for wildlife from 9am to 12pm. You can clear out invasive species, help maintain trails, work on construction projects, and much more! Get the full scoop and sign up to help at a sanctuary near you by following this link.
Birders Meeting 2011
Don't you know about the bird? With information and updates on everything from changes in local bird populations and avian adaptations to intriguing insights into how we identify birds and interactive fun with bird vocalizations, the Birders Meeting is an event not to be missed. Vendors galore and tempting raffle prizes await you, too! If you enjoy birds and birding, Bird is the Word has something for you. Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 5, when the Birders Meeting will take over the LaCava Center at Bentley University in Waltham. For more information and to register, all you need to do is follow this link.
Focus on Feeders!
Looking for something to brighten up those dreary winter days? Consider participating in Mass Audubon's 2011 Focus on Feeders! During February 5 and 6, all you have to do is record the high counts of each species of bird that comes to your feeder. Your data helps Mass Audubon understand winter bird trends and make informed decisions to better protect the nature of Massachusetts. Make a social event out of it! Invite your friends over for tea and watch the feeder, or bust out your camera and brush up those photography skills. Enter your best photos for a chance to win the annual Photo Contest! Follow the link above to the Focus on Feeders website, and learn more about how to participate.
Birds to Watch Program
The cry of the Whip-poor-will, the song of the Eastern Meadowlark, and the hovering flight of the American Kestrel are all key elements of Massachusetts’ natural heritage. Unfortunately, these and other bird species are rapidly declining but have not yet been placed on any endangered species lists. Mass Audubon’s Birds to Watch program aims to get regular citizens just like you involved in helping these beleaguered species. Follow the link above to visit the homepage for the Birds to Watch program, where you can learn more about some of Massachusetts’ imperiled species. If you’ve seen one of these dwindling birds, let us know!
Breeding Bird Atlas Blog!
Distraction Displays is the official blog of the Breeding Bird Atlas 2 project. Check out the weekly newsletter, which contains information about the progress of the Atlas and useful tips for observing breeding birds in the field. Read the daily Interim Reports, which offer in-depth analyses of the current status of each species of breeding bird in the Commonwealth, complete with Atlas 1 and Atlas 2 distribution maps, color photographs of each bird, and Atlas data tables. The blog also features reader-submitted photographs, videos, and stories from the field. If you’re at all interested in breeding birds in Massachusetts, this is one blog you shouldn’t miss!
