Joining your local bird club is an excellent way to get started birding, improve your birding skills, meet new people, visit beautiful places, and learn more about birds, conservation, habitat, ecology, environmental justice, citizen science, biodiversity, and climate change.
Every club is different but most are either free to join or less than $50 annually. Most clubs listed here also typically offer free events, talks, and bird walks and many have online resources available to the public.
"Why do I live in Connecticut? As an artist and a writer I need New York for the American Museum of Natural History and Boston for Houghton Mifflin, my publisher. But as a naturalist I prefer to live as far from either as I can manage.’’
Roger Tory Peterson
Connecticut is a compact destination—you can drive across the state in just two hours. But with almost 450 recorded species you’ll want to pause and get out your binoculars.
The shoreline along Long Island Sound is not to be missed—it’s prime feeding and breeding ground for seabirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl—often in large numbers.
Good bird habitat also include farmland, wetlands, grassland, rocky and sandy islands and forests. Whether you choose shorebirding along coast, woodland birding in northern CT, or eagle watching on the Connecticut River, this state offers many birding delights.
Check out the bird clubs and links below and find yourself a walk to join.
18,324 sq miles
3 national parks and refuges
110 state parks and forests
448 species
19,550 IBA acres
1,948 ebird hotspots
"In our modern world nothing may be taken for granted-not even the spring songs that herald the return of the birds."
Rachel Carson
The largest New England state, Maine (once home to to visionary Rachel Carson) also has the longest coastline making it one of the most exciting seabirding destinations in the lower 48.
Combine that a prime location on the Atlantic flyway, boreal forests, lakes and wild rivers, and you have the ideal destination for a combination of birding and outdoor adventure.
Maine also hosts several legendary birding festivals in different parts of the state—including fesivals with pelagic birding opportunities.Book early!
Maine’s state bird is officially the “chickadee” (which one, however, is your choice).
33,215 sq miles
3,500 miles of coastline
4 national parks
32 state parks and forests
448 species
19,550 IBA acres
1,948 ebird hotspots
"I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven."
Emily Dickinson
Massachusetts may have more birders as a percentage of population than any other state. Home to the oldest American bird clubs, birthpace of the conservation movement and the Migratory Bird Act, the state’s birding legacy is vast and multidimensional.
A compact state with incredibly divese habitats that attract pelagic birds off Stellwagon Bank to rocky island seabird nesing colonies to boreal birds in the Berkshires, Massachusetts is one of only two states in teh noheast have logged more han 500 species.
Many promiment birders and bird scieniss have also called Massachusets home—at least 8 major figures in the history of ornithology are buried at Mt Auburn Cementary in Cambridge.
here’s more. state’s birding community includes conservation, climate, and environmental justice leaders—researcher, activists and citizen scietists who contribute to our undersanding of climate change, land use, environmental and accessiblity in the outdoors and enrich our appreciation of birds and birding. Massachusetts is also home to artists, poets, photographers and musicians whose work has been inspired by birds.
Wih more than __ clubs and many oher orgaziain soffering rips, pretty much any week of the year. ,you can find a free bird walk or adventure to join.
33,215 sq miles
3,500 miles of coastline
4 national parks
32 state parks and forests
448 species
19,550 IBA acres
1,948 ebird hotspots
There is a singer everyone has heard
Loud, a mid-summer and a mid-wood bird,Robert Frost
Massachusetts may have more birders as a percentage of population than any other state. Home to the oldest American bird clubs, birthpace of the conservation movement and the Migratory Bird Act, the state’s birding legacy is vast and multidimensional.
A compact state with incredibly divese habitats that attract pelagic birds off Stellwagon Bank to rocky island seabird nesing colonies to boreal birds in the Berkshires, Massachusetts is one of only two states in teh noheast have logged more han 500 species.
Many promiment birders and bird scieniss have also called Massachusets home—at least 8 major figures in the history of ornithology are buried at Mt Auburn Cementary in Cambridge.
here’s more. state’s birding community includes conservation, climate, and environmental justice leaders—researcher, activists and citizen scietists who contribute to our undersanding of climate change, land use, environmental and accessiblity in the outdoors and enrich our appreciation of birds and birding. Massachusetts is also home to artists, poets, photographers and musicians whose work has been inspired by birds.
Wih more than __ clubs and many oher orgaziain soffering rips, pretty much any week of the year. ,you can find a free bird walk or adventure to join.
33,215 sq miles
3,500 miles of coastline
4 national parks
32 state parks and forests
448 species
19,550 IBA acres
1,948 ebird hotspots
I'm concerned about the health of our planet, and I'm very aware that declining bird populations are an early indication of serious ecological problems on the horizon. I also love birds and don't want to see Rachel Carson's warning from "Silent Spring" of a future without birds come to pass.
Shepard Fairey
Small but mighty, Rhode Island’s location on the Atlanic flyway makes it an amazing place for birding with multiple natural “migrant traps” all along the south coast and islands.
The best known of these migrant traps is Block Island which is situated about 10 miles to the southe of the mainland. During fall migration Block Island can be an extremely exicting place as birds migrating through often include speactalar rareties.
Rhode Island birding can be astonishing. Sea ducks gather in large rafts off Sachusett Point in winter. In summer. the coast mashes and beaches draw waders and shorebirds. Listen for saltmarsh sparrow in the wetands.
Given it’s the smallest state, it makes sense that Rhode Island has one bird club—Ocean State Bird Club. But it is an active one.
33,215 sq miles
3,500 miles of coastline
4 national parks
32 state parks and forests
448 species
19,550 IBA acres
1,948 ebird hotspots
Massachusetts may have more birders as a percentage of population than any other state. Home to the oldest American bird clubs, birthpace of the conservation movement and the Migratory Bird Act, the state’s birding legacy is vast and multidimensional.
A compact state with incredibly divese habitats that attract pelagic birds off Stellwagon Bank to rocky island seabird nesing colonies to boreal birds in the Berkshires, Massachusetts is one of only two states in teh noheast have logged more han 500 species.
Many promiment birders and bird scieniss have also called Massachusets home—at least 8 major figures in the history of ornithology are buried at Mt Auburn Cementary in Cambridge.
here’s more. state’s birding community includes conservation, climate, and environmental justice leaders—researcher, activists and citizen scietists who contribute to our undersanding of climate change, land use, environmental and accessiblity in the outdoors and enrich our appreciation of birds and birding. Massachusetts is also home to artists, poets, photographers and musicians whose work has been inspired by birds.
Wih more than __ clubs and many oher orgaziain soffering rips, pretty much any week of the year. ,you can find a free bird walk or adventure to join.
"I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven."
Emily Dickinson
33,215 sq miles
3,500 miles of coastline
4 national parks
32 state parks and forests
448 species
19,550 IBA acres
1,948 ebird hotspots
"I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven."
Emily Dickinson
Massachusetts may have more birders as a percentage of population than any other state. Home to the oldest bird clubs in the nation, birthpace of the Migratory Bird Act, the state’s birding legacy is vast and multidimensional.
A compact state with incredibly divese habiat from he bine barrens to Nantcuket beaches o to There ae Teh states museum collections range. Many promiment birders have also called Massa Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
The state’s birding community includes conservation, climate, and environmental justice leaders—researcher, activists and citizen scietists who contribute to our undersanding of climate change, land use, environmental and accessiblity in the outdoors and enrich our apprecation of birds and birding.
Every week of the year, you can find a free bird walk or adventure to join.
33,215 sq miles
3,500 miles of coastline
4 national parks
32 state parks and forests
448 species
22 IBAs
2,306 ebird hotspots
Bird Observer Magazine
"I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven."
Emily Dickinson
Small but mighty, Rhode Island’s locaion on the Atlanic Fkyway makes an amazing place for birding with multiple natural “migrant traps.”
The best known of these migrant traps is Block Island which is situated about 10 miles to the southe of the mainland. During fall migration Block Island can be an extremely exicting place as birds migranting through often include speactalar rareties.
A compact state with incredibly divese habiat from he bine barrens to Nantcuket beaches o to There ae Teh states museum collections range. Many promiment birders have also called Massa Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
The state’s birding community includes conservation, climate, and environmental justice leaders—researcher, activists and citizen scietists who contribute to our undersanding of climate change, land use, environmental and accessiblity in the outdoors and enrich our apprecation of birds and birding.
Almost any week of the year, you can find a free bird walk or adventure to join in Massachusetts.
33,215 sq miles
3,500 miles of coastline
4 national parks
32 state parks and forests
448 species
22 IBAs
2,306 ebird hotspots
"I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven."
Emily Dickinson
Small but mighty, Rhode Island’s locaion on the Atlanic Fkyway makes an amazing place for birding with multiple natural “migrant traps.”
The best known of these migrant traps is Block Island which is situated about 10 miles to the southe of the mainland. During fall migration Block Island can be an extremely exicting place as birds migranting through often include speactalar rareties.
Rhode Island has one bird club—Oceas Tstae Bird Club.
33,215 sq miles
3,500 miles of coastline
4 national parks
32 state parks and forests
448 species
22 IBAs
2,306 ebird hotspots
Despite sharing a name. not all Audubon organizations are the same. The Audubon societies of Massachusetts. New Hampshire. and Rhode Island are each independent organizations founded before the founding of National Audubon with their own histories. Mass Audubon is the oldest—founded in 1896. In addition to their vital conservation, climate, research, and education work, each of these organizations offers extensive nature programming to their members and to the public as well as thousands of acres of protected wildlife sanctuaries.
National Audubon, founded in 1905, supports chapters in many states and also offers trips, talks, special events, workshops, and camps. They also protect wild spaces and offer nature experiences. In addition to state chapters, the National Audubon Atlantic Flyway Project operates across the East Coast, including the coasal New England states.
Local National Audubon chapters are listed in each state’s listing.
Did we get something wrong? Are we missing a club? Please send us corrections. Thank you!
Young birders clubs offer a variety of birding trips, special events and social activiies designed specifically for elementary aged students and teens.
Connecticut Young Birders Club
Massachusetts Young Birders Club
New Hampshire Young Birders Club – The Harriers
Massachusetts Horticultural Society
Wild See Project (Maine)
Rhode Island Wild Plant Society
Pollinator Pathways
Connecticut Entomological Society (also on Facebook)
Coleopterists Society
Urban Nature Walk (Boston)
Massachusetts Butterfly Club (a chapter of the North American Butterfly Association)
MassLep (Google Group)
New England Entomological Association
The Acadian Entomological Society
The Entomological Society of America (ESA)
New England Herpetological Society
Massachusetts Horticultural Society
Wild See Project (Maine)
Rhode Island Wild Plant Society
Connecticut Entymological Society (also on Facebook)
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Bringing birders together since 19121. The Allen Bird Club serves area birders and others who appreciate nature by providing a program in which to develop common interests and share knowledge about birds. These interests are encouraged, first of all, by offering more than fifty birding field trips each year that are open to the public.
Springfield, MA
The Anti-Racist Collective of Avid Birders is an inclusive, progressive birding group based in Western Massachusetts, that was established informally in June 2020. As of December 2021, we are also a regional affiliate of the Feminist Bird Club. We center and celebrate the experiences of Black, Indigenous, Latinx and birders of color; birders of all genders and sexual orientations; and birders with disabilities. Our work is dedicated to making the outdoors—and birding in particular— accessible and safe for people who find themselves under-represented or unacknowledged in traditional birding communities.
Western MA
The Athol Bird & Nature Club was formed in 1963 to “enhance the appreciation of natural history in the North Quabbin Region.” Founded by Robert Coyle, an eighth-grade science teacher, the Club is now a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a diverse membership from around the region and beyond and takes pride in its leadership role in natural resources education and conservation in the North Quabbin Region. The ABNC is also the managing partner of the Millers River Environmental Center, which provides education and training for area citizens to enhance their appreciation for, connection with, and stewardship of the rich natural resources of the region.
Athol, MA
While not a membership organization, the Boston Birding Festival currently offers occasional walks, talks, and other programs in partnership with other nonprofits working on conservation, environmental justice and nature access and equity. Our events include birding and nature experiences that bring people together to learn and engage in conversations about the wide spectrum of ecological and environmental challenges we face in our region and beyond. Look for a full calendar of programming in 2023.
Regional
Boxborough Birders is an enthusiastic group of bird watchers from Boxborough, Massachusetts, and nearby towns, including Acton, Harvard, Stow, and Littleton. The group focuses primarily on local “patches” (habitats) in studying and learning about resident and migratory bird species. The group organizes walks throughout the year, especially during spring and fall migration. In the winter, Boxborough Birders participate in the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count as part of the Concord circle.
Boxborough, MA
The Brookline Bird Club (BBC) is the largest, and one of the oldest and most active of the bird clubs in the US. Membership is open to all who are interested in birds and nature. We sponsor an active program of year-round field trips, covering the entire state of Massachusetts from the Berkshires to Stellwagen Bank, New England and beyond. During the peak of spring migration, walks are scheduled for every day of the week. Guests are welcome on Club walks and at Club meetings. Due to the current pandemic, club walks, webinars and workshops are open to members only, and only through online registration. This ensures precautionary measures of social distancing. Our offerings support conservation and education topics as well, including native plants, insects, bird identification, migration, and other topics connected to birds and habitat.
Boston/Brookline, MA
Founded in 1976, EMHW is an all-volunteer, member-based organization whose mission is to promote the study, conservation, and preservation of hawks locally and on a continental scale by monitoring migration in Massachusetts; to share data for research and conservation purposes; to promote education and awareness of the identification of hawks and the issues related to migrating hawks and to instill an appreciation for hawks in general.
Eastern MA
The Emerald Necklace Bird Club was established in 2005. The club works closely with the Friends of Jamaica Pond and Jamaica Pond Project, Boston Parks and Recreation Department, Boston Park Rangers, and many private and public agencies. The Emerald Necklace is the urban oasis for much of the natural world in Boston. Both migrating and long-term resident birds find the Emerald Necklace’s continuous open spaces, marshes, and wooded areas a haven. Join the Emerald Necklace Bird Club and explore this landscape and natural wonder each season — spring, summer, fall and winter.
Boston, MA
Established in 1916, the Essex County Ornithological Club promotes interest in ornithological study in Essex County, Massachusetts, and promotes the conservation of birds and their habitats in Essex County. The Club maintains a long tradition of holding an annual May bird census by canoe and on foot on and along the Ipswich River, periodically revises the official checklist of the birds of Essex County, presents speakers, and organizes field trips consistent with the above purposes.
Essex County
Feminist Bird Club is a bird watching club dedicated to promoting diversity in birding and providing a safe opportunity to connect with the natural world in urban environments while fundraising to protect the rights of women, members of the LGBTQ+ community and other people of color. We offer free walks in locations accessible by public transportation, and encourage beginner birders to join. Any and all persons are welcome! You can subscribe to the Feminist Bird Club mailing list to receive updates on upcoming walks, events and more.
Boston, MA
Hampshire Bird Club Inc. is an organization dedicated to helping people enjoy birding and to help them learn about birds and bird habitats. They offer monthly meetings including programs by renowned speakers, field trips for birders at any skill level, educational outreach, strong ties to the Christmas Bird Count, a lending library, a monthly newsletter and a Rare Bird Alert.
Pittsfield, MA
The Hoffmann Bird Club was established in 1940 with a mission of promoting the study of birds in Berkshire County. The club was founded under the auspices of the Berkshire Museum. and named in honor of Ralph Hoffmann a naturalist who was born in Berkshire County. Meetings are open to anyone interested in birds. Field trips are led by experienced birders and beginners are welcome.
Pittsfield, MA
The Menotomy Bird Club is dedicated to making birding accessible to everyone in the Mystic Valley Watershed. We have no dues, and all activities are free and open to members and non-members alike. All activities are posted on the web page, but we encourage people to join the Arlington Birds Listserve to get reminders of events as well as discussions of birds and birding in the area.
The Merrimack Valley Bird Club (MVBC) has been exploring the Merrimack Valley and North Shore of Massachusetts since 1948. Newcomers are welcome. Bring binoculars and/or spotting scope if you have them! Most walks include coffee and snacks at the end unless otherwise noted. Bring something to share if you can!
Andover, MA
Founded in 1873, the Nuttall Ornithological Club was the first organization in North America devoted to ornithology. During the Club’s nearly 150 years, its members have included the premier names in the field of ornithology, such as William Brewster, Ludlow Griscom, and Roger Tory Peterson. A primary goal of the club is to publish ornithological literature. Meetings are held monthly at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and feature speakers from all areas of ornithological expertise. The Nuttall Ornithological Club has, from its beginning in 1873, followed a policy of electing its members. For information about elections, see our website.
Cambridge, MA
We’re a bird club on a mission to connect people with birds. Birds have a remarkable way of changing our world. Regardless of your knowledge of birds, your background, or who you are, we are here to connect you to the world of birds. All field trips and programs are free and open to everyone. Members range from brand-new birders to the very serious – all are welcome.
Mattaposiett, MA
Paskamansett Bird Club was established in 1963 for the purpose of bringing people together who have the utmost fascination and appreciation for nature’s crown jewels, birds. Members are always willing to share their knowledge to help beginning birders enjoy their newly found hobby. We have many bird walks that take us to some of the most beautiful areas in Southern New England.
Darthmouth, MA
The South Shore Bird Club (SSBC) was founded in 1946 and the first members set out to explore the birds and birding habitats of the South Shore of Massachusetts. We concentrate on field trips for both members and non members. Most trips involve car-pooling with occasional canoe trips or beach hikes. Non-members are always welcome.
Plymouth, MA
Since November of 2003, a group of nature lovers has met semi-regularly to explore and appreciate an urban area together. We enjoy seeing the birds and other animals, weeds and cultivated plants, mushrooms and lichens, insects and spiders as well as the non-living aspects of nature, as they appear to us amid the man-made chaos of the city.
Boston, MA
Enthusiasm for the rich natural history of the north central Worcester County region led to the founding of the Hubbardston-Ware River Nature Club by a group of Hubbardston residents in 2014. Since then our membership has expanded, and members hail from all parts of northern Worcester County and beyond. To reflect this growth, our name was changed to Ware River Nature Club in 2015. We are a growing group of professional and amateur naturalists, hikers, birders, outdoor enthusiasts, artists, writers, plant-lovers, and more who believe that appreciation of nature and the outdoors begins in our own backyards.
Worcester County
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Optio, neque qui velit. Magni dolorum quidem ipsam eligendi, totam, facilis laudantium cum accusamus ullam voluptatibus commodi numquam, error, est. Ea, consequatur.
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New England Nature Photographers
A large and active Facebook group for sharing and advice
Nature and Wildlife Photographers of New England and Beyond
A meet-u group