Author Archives: Hillary T.

About Hillary T.

Where: Mass Audubon Headquarters, Lincoln Who: Massachusetts transplant by way of Florida and New York. Raising two young girls, who she hopes will be budding naturalists Favorite part of the job: Learning something new every day from some of the smartest and most enthusiastic groups of people

Trailside to the Rescue

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Hillary T.

When four great horned owl chicks and their nest blew out of their tree near Blue Hills Trailside Museum in Milton due to high winds in early May, the team at Trailside knew exactly what to do. Trailside has successfully placed 3,000 baby hawks and owls into foster nests over the past 30 years.

Photo by Dan Burton

Photo by Dan Burton

In many cases they would attempt to put the chicks back in the original nest if it is in good condition. If the nest is in bad condition, or blown down with the chicks as in this scenario, a new, sturdier artificial nest is required.

The new nest structure was placed in an adjacent tree that the parent owls readily accepted. After putting up the new nest and returning the baby owls to it, Trailside staff sprayed ammonia around the base of the tree to ward off any predators. The ammonia masks the smell of people.

Photo by Dan Burton

Photo by Dan Burton

Unfortunately, this scenario is not that uncommon. Owls do not build their own nest; they use whatever is available whether it is an old hawk, crow, or even squirrel nest. Often these nests are in poor condition. Strong winds often lead to chicks ending up on the ground before they fledge. This can make them susceptible to predators like coyotes, raccoons, or fishers.

Photo by Dan Burton

Photo by Dan Burton

It’s important to note that not all baby birds on the ground are in need of help. In fact, many birds that people try to rescue are still being cared for by their parents and should be left alone. If you happen to come across a baby bird, check out our Baby Birds Out of Nest Guide to find out when action is needed, and when it isn’t.

Happy endings like this one could not happen if it wasn’t for the generous support of people like you. Help contribute to more happy endings today!

Thanks to Trailside Director Norman Smith and Trailside’s Education Coordinator/Camp Director Emma Snellings for sharing this great story!

A Environmental Report Card for Legislators

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Hillary T.

Wondering how your state legislators stack up when it comes to supporting environmental bills? Mass Audubon’s 27th Legislative Report Card is out now for the 2013-2014 session, scoring legislators based on their environmental roll call votes. The average score in the House was 94 percent, while the average score in the Senate was 92 percent.

Report Card

The Legislative Report Card is a compilation of the roll call votes taken by state legislators on environmental bills or funding measures. These votes are an objective way to evaluate their environmental performances. A legislator’s score does not represent an endorsement, or lack thereof, by Mass Audubon.

In 2013-2014, the House voted on 10 priority environmental roll calls (out of a total 505 roll calls). The Senate voted on 14 priority environmental roll calls (out of a total 492 roll calls). These included:

  • A $2.2 billion environmental bond, which provides funding for many crucial programs
  • Natural gas leak regulation improvements
  • Drinking water and wastewater infrastructure updates
  • Job creation through energy efficiency programs

Since 1985, Mass Audubon has compiled the environmental voting records of the Massachusetts Legislature to inform citizens of their state legislators’ performance. Legislators receive one point for voting in favor of environmental protection, and zero points for voting against environmental protection or for not voting at all.

Surveying legislators’ scores over the course of their tenure in office may produce a more comprehensive view of their commitment to environmental protection. Learn more about Mass Audubon’s legislative priorities.