Our recent State of the Birds report shows that many species are in decline, including some familiar birds once thought common, like the American kestrel, eastern meadowlark and purple finch.

Birds inspire us with their beauty, variety, amazing migratory journeys and ability to survive the harshest conditions. Yet their sensitivity to subtle threats is a vivid metaphor we all understand as an early warning for danger:

The canary in a coal mine.

Because of the essential connection between people and nature, changes in bird populations raise serious questions about the state of the environment and our own well-being.

At Mass Audubon we’re listening carefully to what these “canaries” are saying and strengthening our commitment to protecting the natural world that sustains us all.

Sing your own song by sharing the State of the Birds story on Facebook and Twitter.

Volunteer as a “citizen scientist” and assist with habitat management, species monitoring, and other projects.

Go birding! There are hundreds of species in Massachusetts, from Baltimore orioles to bald eagles, and most can be seen at our wildlife sanctuaries.

Make a contribution to Mass Audubon today to protect the natural world that sustains us all.

Bird ID: American kestrel © Jerry Liguori; short-eared owl, evening grosbeak, green heron © Shawn Carey (Migration Productions)