Are you interested in birds? Do you know of a barn or cliff swallow nesting site?

The Mass Audubon’s South Coast Sanctuaries needs you!

Mass Audubon’s landmark State of the Birds report indicates a significant decline in bird species associated with agricultural landscapes, including barn and cliff swallows. We need more information about where these master aerialists are nesting in Massachusetts, and how they are doing. Become a citizen scientist in Mass Audubon’s “Big Barn Study” by visiting a barn, bridge or other nesting site near you, and watch for swallows.

"Even if there are no swallows, we still want to know. The Big Barn Study is an ideal way to engage the natural world for bird enthusiasts, people who love barns, and in fact anyone who appreciates the biodiversity and natural wonders of Massachusetts,” Sanctuary Director Gina Purtell said. Volunteers are asked to count active swallow nests 1 to 3 times between May 25^th and June 31^st and report back to the Massachusetts Audubon Society.

There will be a Big Barn Study Information Session at the Sippican Lands Trust in Marion, on Thursday, May 29 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM. For the complete schedule of upcoming information sessions see below. To learn more about the project and how to participate visit www.massaudubon.org/bigbarnstudy.

If you would like to join the Big Barn Study or if you own a barn and would be willing to allow a study participant to briefly observe swallows on your property, please email us at allenspond@massaudubon.org or call 508-636-2437.

Big Barn Study Information Sessions

Westport Free Library: Mondays May 19^th & June 2^nd, 6:30 PM

Westport Farmers Market, Westport Town Farm: Saturday, June 14^th, 11:00AM

Allens Pond, Stone Barn Farm, South Dartmouth: Thursday, June 5^th, 5:00 PM

Sippican Lands Trust, Marion: Thursday, May 29^th 6:30 PM

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Westport, Dartmouth, Mattapoisett and Wareham local cultural councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Funding is also provided by the Blake-Nuttall Ornithological Club.