Whether you’re briskly pacing across Boston Common or gazing out your kitchen window into a snow-covered suburban backyard, birds can be seen all winter long. The birds featured below are some of the most commonly seen species in winter all across Massachusetts, and many of them will readily come to bird feeders.
This list is by no means exhaustive, but many urban and suburban avian visitors in the winter months will belong to one of the species below. See a longer list of cold-weather Massachusetts birds on our website and enjoy these five beautiful photographs from our photo contest archives.
As we begin making our New Year’s resolutions, tackling climate change needs to be at the top of that list.
According to the World Meteorological Organization, 2018 was the fourth warmest year on record. Heat waves, extreme rain, hurricanes, and wildfires all made headlines across the U.S. and the globe. It’s evident, the problem is here and now.
You don’t have to be a climatologist or political leader to make a climate resolution. This year, take the Mass Audubon Climate Change Pledge to address climate change through individual and collective action for the good of people and the planet.
→ STEP 1: Talk to at least 3 people about climate change and help them understand how they can be part of the solution
According to data from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, 70 percent of people in the United States agree that the climate is changing and will cause harm to plants, animals, and humans. But, when asked if people talk about this issue, two-thirds of people in the U.S. say “Never.” This is a real problem. Not talking about climate change fuels the idea that it is a taboo topic, left only to scientists and politicians. It also gives “deniers” a stronger platform.
→ STEP 2: Make adjustments to your daily life by taking 2 individual actions from these carbon-saving categories:
Transportation
Carpool or take public transit
Walk or bike for shorter trips
Upgrade to an electric or hybrid vehicle
Energy
Make the Switch to renewable energy
Use LED bulbs
Turn off and unplug electronics when they are not in use
Food
Reduce your food miles by eating local
Eat less meat
Go vegan! Not able to commit to 100% vegan? Try avoiding meat and dairy one day a week or even twice a month.
Land Protection
Plant a native tree
Support your local Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuary or land trust
Advocate for the preservation of local wetlands, forests, and other critical ecosystems that serve as carbon sinks and natural buffers to the effects of climate change.
→ STEP 3: Join or initiate 1 community action to climate change, such as:
Taking a simple pledge increases the likelihood of following through on your goal. In addition, we will be able to see how much of an impact we can all make collectively!
