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.
black and white warbler on side of tree
Black-and-white Warbler

Bird Conservation & Research

In order to make smart and effective conservation choices, we need a good understanding of how the birds of Massachusetts are doing and where they might need concentrated attention.

Mass Audubon maintains the most comprehensive public database of bird distribution, abundance, and trend information for the Commonwealth—a resource that's used by conservation partners and concerned citizens alike. This wealth of information is kept current through our long-term bird monitoring and research programs.

Projects & Initiatives

American Oystercatcher adult with its chick on a beach © Cameron Darnell
American Oystercatchers © Cameron Darnell

Coastal Waterbirds

We monitor and protect the most threatened species of coastal birds on 140 miles of coastline.

Chestnut-sided warbler © Phil Doyle
Chestnut-sided warbler © Phil Doyle

Forest Birds

New England forests are vital for the survival of many birds. Yet numerous forest birds have undergone a drastic decline in numbers.

Eastern Meadowlark by David Larson
Eastern Meadowlark (Photo: David Larson)

Grassland Birds

Grasslands are becoming rarer and with this loss of habitat comes alarming declines in both the range and abundance of many grassland nesting species.  

Northern Harrier flying
Northern Harrier © Kyle Wilmarth

Important Bird Areas

Sites providing essential habitat to one or more species of breeding, wintering, and/or migrating birds. 

Snowy Owl at Westport Beach © Fred Laberge
Snowy Owl © Fred Laberge

Snowy Owl Project

Safely relocating Snowy Owls from Boston Logan Airport and tracking their movements.

State of the Birds

A comprehensive look at the projected effects of our changing climate on our nesting birds by 2050.

See the Latest Report

Breeding Bird Atlas

Data about breeding birds in Massachusetts that compares population trends in the same area over many decades.

Examine the Research