Happy Earth Day!

For 50 years the world has gathered on one day to celebrate our environment. Even in these challenging times, when the ways in which we gather have been altered, Earth Day reminds us that we have the power to protect our planet and effect change.

This year, Earth Day’s theme is climate action, urging us to once again use our voices and tackle the current climate crisis. Social distancing has shown us that collective engagement to safeguard our communities is still possible and more important than ever.

Join Mass Audubon on Earth Day and beyond for climate action, inspiration, and community by:

  • Making the switch to green power to add more renewable energy into your electricity supply.
  • Driving less and carpooling, biking, walking, or taking public transportation whenever you can.
  • Asking your legislators to fight for strong environmental policies on Beacon Hill and Capitol Hill.
  • Making a gift to Mass Audubon to support our collective climate fight and protect people and wildlife across the state.

In honor of the Earth Day’s 50th anniversary, a generous donor has stepped up with a dollar-for-dollar match that will double the impact of your gift if you donate today.

Thank you for all you do to protect the Earth and the nature of Massachusetts. Visit our website to learn more about Mass Audubon’s climate action work and how we can fight climate change together!

Canada Goose Goslings © Matt Filosa

Take 5: Goslings on the Go

It’s springtime, which means the parade of cute, fluffy baby animals is about to really take off! This week, we’ve got five adorable photos of Canada Goose babies, or goslings as they’re properly called.

The Canada Goose (not Canadian Goose!) is the only species of goose that breeds in Massachusetts, although a few others may be spotted passing through outside the breeding season. They don’t typically migrate, either, instead moving to areas where the water isn’t frozen as the temperatures drop in winter.

The female Canada Goose selects the nest site, usually a slightly elevated spot near the water. The nest is a shallow depression made with plant material and lined with down. She lays a total of 4–7 eggs—only one per day—and does not begin to incubate full-time until the clutch is complete. 

The male stands guard and may show aggression if the nest is threatened, so be sure to maintain a respectful distance. The goslings hatch after 25–28 days and are born precocial, meaning that they are able to walk, swim, and feed themselves almost immediately after hatching. The young stay with their parents through the first year of life.

Enjoy these five photos of fuzzy little yellow goslings from our annual Picture This: Your Great Outdoors photo contest and remember: geese are perfectly adapted to winters in New England on their own, so please don’t feed the geese!

Let us know in the comments if you’ve spotted any goslings in your neighborhood this spring!

Canada Goose Gosling © Kathy Diamontopoulos
Canada Goose Gosling © Kathy Diamontopoulos
Canada Goose Goslings © Matt Filosa
Canada Goose Goslings © Matt Filosa
Canada Goose Goslings © Riju Kumar
Canada Goose Goslings © Riju Kumar
Canada Goose Goslings © Kathy Hale
Canada Goose Goslings © Kathy Hale
Canada Goose Gosling © Ben Murphy
Canada Goose Gosling © Ben Murphy