Join Your Local Bird Club
Joining your local bird club is an excellent way to improve your birding skills, meet new people and make new friends, visit beautiful places and learn more about birds, conservation, habitat, ecology, environmental justice, citizen science, biodiversity, and climate change.
Most clubs rely on volunteers to manage their organizations. As a club volunteer, you can gain valuable, resume-enhancing experience and skills—from leading trips, to bookeeping to organizing events, and managing social media. And healthy, welcoming clubs help strengthen the social fabric of our communities.
Every club is different but most are either free to join or less than $40 annually and almost all offer free events and bird walks including trips accessible to people with disabilities.
Got a correction or update?
Did we get something wrong? Are we missing a club? Please send us corrections. Thank you!
Massachusetts Bird Clubs
The Allen Bird Club
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
Anti-Racist Collective of Avid Birders
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.
Western MA
Athol Bird & Nature Club
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.
Athol, MA
The Boston Birding Festival
While not currentlty a membership organization, the Boston Birding Festival offers free birding and nature experiences in partnership with other nonprofits that bring people together to learn and engage in conversations about ecological and environmental challenges we face in our region and beyond.programs.
Regional
- Website
Boxborough Birders
Boxborough Birders
Boxborough Birders is an enthusiastic group of bird watchers from Boxborough, MA, and nearby towns.. 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.
Boxborough, MA
- Website
Brookline Bird Club
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.
Boston/Brookline, MA
- Website
Cape Cod Bird Club
The Cape Cod Bird Club Inc. is an organization whose members are interested in the protection and conservation of the birdlife and natural resources of Cape Cod and beyond. Visit us online for membership info and a list of walks.
Brewster, MA
https://capecodbirdclub.org
https://www.facebook.com/CapeCodBirdClub
- Website
Eastern Massachusetts Hawkwatch
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
Emerald Necklace Bird Club
The Emerald Necklace Bird Club works closely with the Friends of Jamaica Pond and Jamaica Pond Project, Boston Parks & 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. Join the Emerald Necklace Bird Club and explore this landscape and natural wonder each season.
Boston, MA
Essex County Ornithological Club
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 and presents speakers, and organizes field trips.
Essex County
Feminist Bird Club (Boston)
Feminist Bird Club (Boston) is a birdwatching 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!
Boston, MA
Facebook. Instagram
Forbush Bird Club
The aim of the Forbush Bird Club is to promote the study of birds with relation to their distribution, ecology, food requirements and population; and to promote a desire for the conservation of all our natural resources.
Hampshire Bird Club
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
Hoffman Bird Club
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
Menotomy Bird Club
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.
Merrimack Valley Bird Club
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
Nasketucket Bird Club
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
Nutall Ornithological Club
The Nuttall Ornithological Club was the first organization in North America devoted to ornithology. A primary goal of the club is to publish ornithological literature. The Nuttall Ornithological Club has, from its beginning in 1873, followed a policy of electing its members. For information, see our website.
Cambridge, MA
Paskamansett Bird Club
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
South Shore Bird Club
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
Paskamansett Bird Club
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
Urban Nature Walks
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
Ware River Nature Club
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
WEBSITE: https://www.ctbirding.org
Other Regional Clubs
Connecticut Ornithological Association
Founded in 1984, the Connecticut Ornithological Association is an all-volunteer organization with the mission of promoting interest in Connecticut birds and collecting, preparing, and disseminating the best available scientific information on the status of Connecticut birds and their habitats.
WEBSITE: https://www.ctbirding.org
Connecticut Young Birders Club
Founded in 1984, the Connecticut Ornithological Association is an all-volunteer organization with the mission of promoting interest in Connecticut birds and collecting, preparing, and disseminating the best available scientific information on the status of Connecticut birds and their habitats
WEBSITE: https://www.ctbirding.org
Other New England Nature Clubs
General Nature/Misc
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.
Butterflies and Insects
Native Plants
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.
Mushrooms and Mycology
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.
Reptiles and Amphibians
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.
New England Herpetological Society
Massachusetts Horticultural Society
Wild See Project (Maine)
Rhode Island Wild Plant Society
Connecticut Entymological Society (also on Facebook)
Connecticut
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.
Massachusetts
Allen Bird Club
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
Anti-Racist Collective of Avid Birders
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
Athol Bird & Nature Club
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
The Boston Birding Festival
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
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
Brookline Bird Club
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
Eastern Massachusetts Hawk Watch
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
Emerald Necklace Bird Club
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
Essex County Ornithological Club
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 (Boston)
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
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
Hoffman Bird Club
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
Menotomy Bird Club
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.
Merrimack Valley Bird Club
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
Nutall Ornithological Club
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
Nasketucket Bird Club
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
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
South Shore Bird Club
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
Urban Nature Walks
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
Ware River Nature Club
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
New Hampshire
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.
Rhode Island
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.
Vermont
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.
Audubon Chapters
The Audubon societies of Massachusetts. New Hampshire and Rhode Island are independent organizations founded before National Audubon. In addition to their vital conservation, climate, research, and education work, each of these organizations offers extensive recreational programming to members and the public.
Massachusetts Audubon
New Hampshire Audubon
Rhode Island Audubon
National Audubon protects birds and habitat throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation and has many New England chapters. Each chapter offers many trips, talks, special events classes, and camps,.
Litchfield Hills Audubon (CT)
(CT)SocietySharon Audubon (CT)
Potapaug Audubon Society (CT)
Wood Duck Swamp Audubon Sanctuary (CT)
Maine Audubon (ME)
South Eastern Vermont Audubon Society
Vermont Audubon
Bird and Nature Photography Clubs
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