Family on boardwalk Join today and get outside at one of our 60+ wildlife sanctuaries.
Family on boardwalk Join today and get outside at one of our 60+ wildlife sanctuaries.
spring peeper on leaf
Spring Peeper

Nature & Wildlife

In Massachusetts, each season presents new and exciting opportunities to explore and understand our ever-changing landscape and its inhabitants. Here you can find information about commonly encountered wildlife and invasive plants. 

Plants & Animals Found in Massachusetts

Black-capped Chickadee on sumac flowers
Black-capped Chickadee

Birds

Discover the birds—and bird behaviors—you're likely to encounter in Massachusetts.  

Chipmunk with full cheeks © Justin Miel
Chipmunk © Justin Miel

Mammals

From chipmunks to moose, the Commonwealth is home to mammals of all sizes.

Wood Frog (Photo: Tom Lautzenheiser)
Wood Frog (Photo: Tom Lautzenheiser)

Reptiles & Amphibians

They may seem similar, but these two ancient groups have very different (very cool) adaptations.

Butterfly and bee on purple coneflower

Insects & Arachnids

Love them or fear them, insects and arachnids play a fundamental role in nature.

asters - purple flowers

Native & Invasive Plants

Learn to recognize helpful native, and harmful invasive, plants.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird visiting monarda flower (Kristin Foresto/Mass Audubon)
Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Outdoor Almanac

What does Mother Nature have planned in the coming weeks? Find out with Mass Audubon's monthly guide to the natural world.

Get the Latest

Stories from the Field, Forest, & Beyond

  • fox on sandy dune with grass

    Foxes

    © Jim O'Driscoll

    Fox or Coyote? How to Tell the Difference

    Most of us only ever catch fleeting glimpses of coyotes or foxes, and these brief encounters can leave us wondering what species we saw. 

  • Ruby-throated Hummingbird on plant
    Ruby-throated Hummingbird © Jason Gilbody

    Landscaping for Birds

    Learn how to manage your land for bird health.

  • A Fish Crow caws atop a tree branch.
    Fish Crow

    Crow, Raven, or Grackle? How to Tell the Difference

    Noisy and full of personality, crows, ravens, and grackles are very noticeable. But telling them apart is a different story. So just how can you distinguish a raven from a crow from a grackle? 

  • Three leaved poison ivy growing on ground

    How to Recognize Poison Ivy

    For those allergic to poison ivy, exposure can lead to weeks of discomfort. By learning to recognize and avoid it, you can explore more without the risk of irritation.

Find a Wildlife Rehabilitator

If a bird or animal is really injured, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

See How

Recent Sightings

Check out notable bird sightings from around the state.

What Was Seen

Upcoming Programs

See all programs
See all programs
Three young adults kneeling on a boardwalk
Broadmoor

Take Action

We need your curiosity, commitment, and passion to ensure that our lands become more resilient, that more people than ever experience the magic of nature, and that we fight climate change—now and in the future.

Become a Member

Make a lasting impact for people and wildlife.

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Advocate

Help bring about nature-based climate solutions.

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Donate

Be a force to protect the nature of Massachusetts.

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