Launched in 1986 in response to declining numbers of Piping Plovers and terns in Massachusetts, Mass Audubon's Coastal Waterbird Program ensures sustainable bird populations and protect coastal habitats throughout the state.  Since then, the program has worked with hundreds of town, agency and private landowners to build populations of nesting plovers and terns on 140 miles of state coastline.  In addition, more than 1,500 Coastal Waterbird Program monitors have protected birds on beaches, educated beach-goers, and begun wildlife careers at Mass Audubon.  Through these efforts, plovers have increased from 135 nesting pairs to more than 1,000. 

With this success, the Coastal Waterbird Program is currently focusing on improving reproductive success—the number of young birds fledging—and on providing educational opportunities.  Our 2023 Bird-a-thon fundraiser will support over 30 seasonal staff as we work to monitor and protect increasing numbers of nesting pairs in the state.  For 35 years, private support has made possible the accomplishments of the Coastal Waterbird Program’s dedicated staff and students, our community partners, and the growing network of coastal bird champions that have helped to restore and protect bird populations and their habitats.

Your support is greatly appreciated!

From May 12-13, nature heroes from all over Massachusetts will celebrate nature by participating in Mass Audubon's annual Bird-a-thon fundraiser!

Through Bird-a-thon, teams representing different Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries and programs raise money while helping people of all ages connect with nature in communities across the state (and beyond!).

Our team is participating in Bird-a-thon because we believe that coastal habitats and birds need our support now more than ever. Our team members help us fundraise and take part in a team birding competition to find the greatest number of species in a single 24-hour period.

You can support our team, or a specific team member, by making a donation through this secure fundraising website. Thank you for cheering us on!