Discover birds, pollinators, and wildflowers on a guided walk
MassWildlife is hosting a series of spring walks at locations across the Commonwealth. From whip-poor-will calls to bumbling bees, come learn about wildlife and the natural communities that support them.
Spring is the perfect time of year to see and hear native wildlife in Massachusetts. Join MassWildlife’s experts for a guided walk to explore a biodiversity hotspot near you. Birders of all experience levels are welcome. Walk dates and locations are listed below.
Space is limited, and registration is required. You’ll be emailed additional information leading up to the event, including parking instructions. Participants will be notified by email if a walk is cancelled due to weather. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy, closed toe shoes for walking on uneven ground. Bring binoculars, water, insect repellent, and a flashlight or headlamp for evening walks. Email Meghan Crawford at meghan.crawford@mass.gov with any questions.
| Event | Site | Date/Time | Description | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evening Whip-poor-will Walk | Montague Plains WMA, Montague | Fri. May 9, 7–9 p.m. | The restored habitats of Montague Plains WMA offer the perfect place to experience the iconic whip-poor-will call, along with American woodcock peents (weather permitting). Join experts from MassWildlife and Mass Audubon for this 1.5-mile moonlit walk. | Click here to register |
| Spring Migratory Bird Walk | Stafford Hill WMA, Cheshire | Sat. June 7, 8–10 a.m. | With open shrublands, grasslands, forests, and wetlands, Stafford Hill WMA is a great place to see a diversity of migratory birds. Join MassWildlife experts for a 1-mile guided walk to learn about birds and the habitats they need for courtship, nesting, and raising their young. | Click here to register |
| Evening Whip-poor-will Walk | Muddy Brook WMA, Hardwick | Sat. June 7, 7–9 p.m. | Thanks to over a decade of habitat restoration, Muddy Brook WMA is home to one of the largest inland congregations of whip-poor-will in the state. Join experts from MassWildlife and East Quabbin Land Trust to experience the iconic whip-poor-will song on this 1.5-mile moonlit walk (weather permitting). | Click here to register |
| Birds, Bees, and Wildflowers Walk | Frances Crane WMA, East Falmouth | Sat. June 14, 9–11 a.m. | Get fired up and ready to grow! Join MassWildlife for a 1.5-mile guided walk through the Frances Crane WMA and learn about the many fire-adapted birds, native pollinators, wildlife, and wildflowers that make their home in this amazing grassland. | Click here to register |
Falcon nest watch
Peregrine falcons often nest on manmade structures such as bridges and tall buildings—some even have cameras that let you peek inside their nests. Chicks typically hatch in early May and remain in the nest until mid-June. Click here to get links to falcon cameras in Massachusetts and get an up close look at these remarkable and rare birds.
Watch for turtles on the road
Across Massachusetts, spring is the season of movement. Hibernating animals emerge from their winter resting areas in search of food and mates. Turtles are no exception. From mid-May to early July, thousands of turtles throughout Massachusetts travel to new areas to find food and nest. You may see turtles on roadways, in your backyard, or other unexpected locations as they move across the landscape to find resources they need to survive. Even if it’s not apparent to you where they’re headed, turtles have a keen sense of direction and may be on their way to wetlands or open, upland sites such as lawns, gravel pits, or roadsides for nesting. If you find a turtle, do not move it far away.
Protecting adult turtles during this vulnerable time can make a big difference. “Adult turtles can live past 80 years. Young turtles and eggs, on the other hand, have a variety of predators and a low chance of reaching adulthood,” says Dr. Mike Jones, MassWildlife State Herpetologist. "This is why it's especially important to protect older adult turtles from cars, especially during this time of year when turtles are crossing roads more frequently." Losing any adult turtles, particularly adult females, is a serious problem that can lead to the eventual local extinction of a population.
What to do if you see a turtle in or near a road:
- Be safe. Do not risk getting hurt or causing harm to others by unsafely pulling off the road or trying to dodge traffic. If the opportunity to safely move a turtle from the road occurs, move it in the direction it was heading and off the edge of the road. The turtle is trying to get to habitats and resources it needs and knows. Do not take turtles home or move them to a "better” location; turtles should not be moved more than 100 yards from where they are found.
- Handle with care. Most turtles should be grasped gently along the shell edge near the mid-point of the body. However, snapping turtles are fast and have very powerful jaws that can inflict a bad bite. A snapping turtle can reach your hands if you lift it by the sides of its shell. If you must move a snapping turtle, use a broom to coax it into a plastic tub or box. Never lift a snapping turtle only by the tail; this can injure their spine.
- Slow down, be observant. Watch for turtles on roadways bordered by wetlands on both sides. These areas are commonly used as crossing points. If you see one turtle crossing, there's a chance that others will be crossing soon as well.
- Report busy crossing locations. Let MassWildlife know if you see multiple turtles crossing the road or if you see multiple turtles that have been hit by cars. Email location information to natural.heritage@mass.gov. You can also contact your town Conservation Commission or local conservation groups and support measures to help turtles. Signage, barrier fencing, or seasonal speed bumps can help reduce roadkill.
If you find an injured turtle, you can contact a wildlife rehabilitator who specializes in treating turtles. Spread the word and help protect our native turtles. In addition to five species of sea turtles that frequent our coastal areas, Massachusetts is home to ten native species of terrestrial and aquatic turtles. Six of the 10 species are protected under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. Learn more in our native turtles.
Take mom fishing
A family fishing trip is a fun way to celebrate Mother’s Day and get everyone together for an outdoor adventure. With the right preparation, you can help make Mother’s Day fishing the perfect gift.
Tips to have the best experience:
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Pick the perfect place. Mom deserves quality time in a scenic area this Mother’s Day. To find places to fish near you, use our Go Fish MA! interactive map. Filter for "featured sites" (using the gray icon in the bottom center of the map) to see some of the spots staff recommend for easiest access. To make a day of it, state parks are also a great option. They often offer extra amenities like picnic tables, grills, walking trails, and bathrooms. To go fishing with younger children, try a place closer to home, and look for open space with enough room for kids to cast.
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Get your gear ready. Pack everything the day before, and let mom relax. Remember to bring your sunscreen, bug spray, and mom's favorite snacks! Click here for a list of recommended items to get started fishing.
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Buy her fishing license as a gift, and tuck it into a handmade card. This gift keeps on giving, as licenses are valid through the end of the year. Kids younger than 15 can fish for free without a license. Licenses are also free for anglers ages 15–17 and anglers ages 70 and older. Get your fishing licenses here.
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Take lots of pictures! Capture that perfect action shot of mom reeling in her catch. Take group selfies to remember the day. Please tag us on social media, so we can see how much fun you’re having! Find us on Facebook and Instagram.
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Plan extra activities. Keep everyone entertained by adding a nature walk, or bringing toys, binoculars, frisbees, playing cards, and anything else your family enjoys.
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Prepare a meal. If someone reels in a keeper, consider bringing it home to make a nice meal for mom.
Time on the water with mom doesn’t have to just last one day. Get out as often as you can, to keep making memories and reeling in those fish!
Wear your life jacket this spring
With nearly 1,500 miles of coastline, four major river systems, and hundreds of lakes and ponds, Massachusetts offers great opportunities to get out on the water. As warmer weather arrives, and to recognize National Safe Boating Week (May 18–24), the Massachusetts Environmental Police and MassWildlife remind boaters and anglers to put safety first by wearing life jackets.
Warmer days of spring can often mask water temperatures that are still dangerously cold. If you capsize or fall overboard, you can develop hypothermia within minutes. Hypothermia, the lowering of your internal body temperature, can make it difficult for you to swim, paddle, or stay afloat. A sudden, unexpected fall into cold water can also cause you to involuntarily gasp and ingest water, which can lead to death by drowning. Your life jacket may not prevent hypothermia, but it will help you stay afloat, and it can save your life. Boating fatality victims were often not wearing life jackets.
Safety advocates recommend all boaters and passengers have a life jacket and wear it at all times while boating.
In Massachusetts, life jackets must be worn by:
- Canoeists and kayakers from September 15 to May 15
- Youth under 12 years old
- Personal watercraft users
- Water skiers
- Stand-up paddleboard users
Facts about fawns
To stay hidden from predators, young white-tailed deer spend much of their first 30 days on their own. Learn about fawn development and why you should never approach or take a fawn from the wild even if it’s alone.
Adult female deer, called does, typically give birth to 1–3 baby fawns each year. Most are born in May and June; however, fawns can be born in Massachusetts any time between April and September. Healthy fawns weigh about 4-9 pounds at birth and can walk within an hour. During their first couple of months, fawns spend most of their time away from their mothers. This separation protects the fawns, who are not yet strong enough to flee from predators that may be attracted to the mother. Let’s take a closer look at the normal phases of fawn and doe behavior:
Bed Phase (May – June)
The bed phase lasts for the first 5–8 days of a fawn’s life (see photo above). Newborn fawns spend most of this time bedded on the ground alone laying very still even when a person or animal comes near. The mother visits very briefly only a couple times a day to feed the fawn and move it to a new location. If humans or pets are around, most does stay away from their fawn to avoid drawing attention to its location and return when the threat has passed. Does keep twins and triplets apart so if a predator finds one, they will not find the others. If a fawn is threatened, it may drop its head, flatten its ears, and even suspend its breathing. This behavior helps the fawn avoid being detected by predators. While fawns may seem like they are most vulnerable during this stage, it is actually the lowest risk phase for predation.
Flush Phase (May – June)
The flush phase is the first approximately 8–30 days of a fawn’s life. Fawns still spend most of their time bedded on the ground alone receiving brief, infrequent visits from their mother. During this phase, fawns lay still until a threat is close and then quickly run—or “flush”—to a new spot and bed down to hide. They may make crying or bleating sounds when they are disturbed by people or when trying to locate their mother.
BE WILDLIFE SMART: During the bed and flush phases, people sometimes find what they think is an abandoned fawn and attempt to remove it from the wild. While this is well intentioned, it is harmful to the fawn. It is also illegal to possess or capture a fawn. If you find a fawn, the best thing you can do is leave it alone. The mother is likely nearby and continuing to check on the fawn. During these phases, there can be increased risk of conflict between does and dogs when does try to protect their fawns that are hidden nearby. Pet owners can reduce risk of conflict by leashing their dogs and keeping them close by when deer are in the area.
Active Phase (July – August)
Active phase begins after a fawn is about 30 days old. During this time, fawns are strong enough to flee from predators and are seen more frequently as they start exploring their environment. Fawns begin to spend more time with their mothers and siblings during this period.
BE WILDLIFE SMART: During the active phase, people often see fawns and their mothers near their homes and neighborhoods. Do your part to keep fawns and adult deer wild! Never intentionally feed wildlife and observe at a respectful distance.
What to do if you find a fawn:
- Leave the fawn alone, even if the mother is not in sight. The mother is likely nearby and visiting her fawn when she doesn’t feel threatened. This behavior helps the fawn avoid being detected by predators.
- If you have taken a fawn into your care, you should immediately return it where you found it, or in safe cover nearby. Then, quickly leave the area so the fawn does not follow you and the mother can return. The mother will return to nurse the fawn even if it has been handled by people. Do not try to feed fawns as they have sensitive stomachs.
- It is illegal for any member of the public to possess a deer fawn for any reason.
- If a fawn is visibly injured or found with its dead mother, call MassWildlife at 508-389-6300 or the MA Environmental Police at (800) 632-8075. In the rare situation where rehabilitation is needed, care for fawns will be coordinated by MassWildlife.
Celebrate Endangered Species Day May 16
May 16 is Endangered Species Day! Join MassWildlife in recognizing the 453 plants and animals that are listed on the Massachusetts Endangered Species List. Each species plays an important role in keeping the Commonwealth's natural communities thriving. MassWildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP) focuses on conserving rare species and their habitats throughout Massachusetts.
Many rare species have benefited from the protection afforded under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) and the work of NHESP over the years, including the restoration and conservation of notable species including the peregrine falcon, bald eagle, and northern red-bellied cooter. However, there is still a lot to do and in the face of habitat loss, emerging diseases, invasive species, climate change, and other threats, this work is more important than ever!
We treat every day like its Endangered Species Day and you can too! Keep reading to learn how to get involved.
How to help
Report rare species: Help MassWildlife monitor rare plants and animals by telling us when you see them. If you have information on the location of the rare species or a vernal pool, submit your observations through the Heritage Hub.
Donate to support rare species: You can make a big impact by donating directly to NHESP. In honor of the 453 species on the MESA list, please consider making a donation of $4.53 today. All money donated goes towards conserving the rare species that call Massachusetts home. How to donate:
- Online with a credit card or electronic check (You will be redirected to our payment portal managed by nCourt, LLC.)
- By check made payable to "Comm. Of MA-NHESP" and mailed to: MassWildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
Learn and share
Get to know rare species: Learn about this history of the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act then take a closer look at MESA-listed animals and plants by vising our species spotlight page. For art enthusiasts, download our endangered species coloring pages.
Enjoy wildlife responsibly: Whether you're in your backyard or visiting a Wildlife Management Areas (WMA), make time to get outdoors. Be sure to give wildlife plenty of space, be mindful of any vegetation you are walking around, and make sure to leave no trace. Get tips and tools for enjoying nature with our wildlife viewing guide.
Support habitat restoration and management: MassWildlife along with other agencies and organizations do a lot of work restore and manage local habitats that benefit MESA-listed species. Sign up for one of our habitat walks this spring.
Connect: Tell your family, neighbors, and friends about Endangered Species Day! Check out MassWildlife's Instagram or Facebook account and sign up to receive our monthly e-newsletter.
Youth Artist from Boxborough Wins Junior Duck Stamp Contest
Annabelle Xu from Boxborough won Best of Show in the 2025 Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) Contest. Her colored pencil drawing of an American wigeon was selected from 133 entries. Xu’s award-winning work represented Massachusetts at the National JDS Contest.
Students from kindergarten through grade 12 from across the Commonwealth submitted original works of art depicting waterfowl in their natural habitats, demonstrating both artistic talent and a knowledge of the value of wetlands for wildlife. In March, a panel of judges selected the top works of art in each of four age groups.
The Massachusetts JDS Program is sponsored by MassWildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with support from the Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council. Please support the JDS Program and wetland conservation by purchasing Junior Duck Stamps featuring national winners from previous years. Stamps can be purchased at duckstamp.com.
More about the Junior Duck Stamp Program
Students who participate in the Junior Duck Stamp Program learn about waterfowl, explore waterfowl habitats, and investigate conservation challenges facing ducks, geese, and swans. These learnings are translated into works of art that show what students have discovered about the species’ anatomy and unique characteristics. Students are encouraged to illustrate aquatic vegetation, trees, and plants appropriate for the depicted species’ natural habitat. Feather colors should be appropriate to the time of the year demonstrated by the environment in the painting. To learn more about the Massachusetts JDS Program, visit mass.gov/dfw/jds.
The judging process
At the state level, it takes several rounds of judging to select winners. First, second, and third place, plus honorable mentions are awarded in each of four age categories. One student’s design is selected as “Best of Show” and represents Massachusetts at the National level. Artwork entries are judged based on originality, anatomical accuracy, artistic composition, and suitability for reproduction on a 1.5 x 2-inch stamp.
Judges consider a variety of aesthetic criteria when evaluating artwork including:
- Form: For realistic portrayals, is the waterfowl anatomically accurate? For other art styles, does the form highlight the species' characteristics in an appropriate way?
- Line: Are the details necessary, correct, and effective?
- Color: Are the colors appropriate for the selected species and surrounding habitat? Does the illustration accurately or creatively depict the species of waterfowl in plumage, habitat, and season, in a realistic or decorative depiction of the bird or birds?
- Scale and shape: Is the visual statement appropriate for a 1.5 x 2-inch stamp, or will details be lost when reduced in size? Is the design suited to a horizontal, rectangular stamp shape?
- Clarity of visual symbolism: Does the illustration communicate the purpose of the stamp and can the elements of the illustration be easily identified?
- Spatial division: Are there negative and positive areas within the illustration and do they work together?
- Texture: Are the textures visually and physically appropriate to the species of waterfowl chosen?
Click here to view a selection of JDS artwork from previous years.