Nature & Wildlife

Eastern Chipmunk with a dried leaf in its mouth in autumn © Suzanne Hirschman

Eastern Chipmunk © Suzanne Hirschman

In Massachusetts, each season presents new and exciting opportunities to explore and understand our ever-changing landscape and its inhabitants. Here you can find information about commonly encountered wildlife and invasive plants.

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What's Happening Now? - Fall

What's Happening in Fall?

More Nature FAQs >

Fall & Winter Nature Promos

Outdoor Almanac

What does Mother Nature have planned in the coming weeks? Find out with Mass Audubon's monthly guide to the natural world.

Common Fall & Winter Birds

The colder months are great for birding! Huge numbers of raptors and songbirds migrate south, hardy waterfowl return from their Arctic summer homes, and winter visitors like Snowy Owls arrive. Learn more about cold-weather birds found in Massachusetts.

Birds

Black-capped Chickadee

Discover the birds—and bird behaviors—you're likely to encounter in Massachusetts. Get birdy >

Insects & Arachnids

Native green bee on a purple flower © Marianne Woods

Love them or fear them, insects and arachnids play a fundamental role in nature. Learn more >

Mammals

Red Fox kit in Cambridge, MA © John Flagg

Red Fox kit © John Flagg

From chipmunks to moose, the Commonwealth is home to mammals of all sizes. Meet a few >

Reptiles & Amphibians

Closeup of a Gray Treefrog on a leaf © Don Bullens

They may seem similar, but these two ancient groups have very different (very cool) adaptations. Dive in >

Invasive Plants

Marsh full of Common reed (Phragmites australis) © Paul Mozell

Invasive plants are one of the greatest threats to Massachusetts' native species. Find out why >

Outdoor Almanac (big)

Outdoor Almanac

Find out what's happening in nature this month, from moon phases to animal migrations. Check it out >