MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program is requesting observations of breeding state-listed birds into the Vernal Pool and Rare Species (VPRS) Information System. Submitting observations to VPRS is one of the most effective ways of protecting and managing rare bird species. To be accepted into VPRS, observations must be in suitable nesting habitat and fall within the specific date range listed below.
| Endangered |
Threatened |
Special Concern |
|
Pied-billed Grebe (5/10–
8/1)
Leach’s Storm-petrel
(6/1–8/15)*
American Bittern (5/15–
8/1)
Least Bittern (5/25–8/1) King Rail (5/15–8/1)
Upland Sandpiper (5/20–
7/15)
Roseate Tern (6/1–8/5)*
Short-eared Owl (4/15–
7/15)
Sedge Wren (6/1–8/1)
Golden-winged Warbler
(5/20–8/1)
|
Bald Eagle (4/15–8/15)*
Northern Harrier (5/10–
8/20)*
Peregrine Falcon (5/15–
8/1)*
King Rail (5/15–8/1)
Piping Plover (5/15–8-
15)**
Northern Parula (6/1–8/10) Barn Owl (4/1–8/1)*
Vesper Sparrow (5/10–8/5)
Grasshopper Sparrow
(5/25–8/10)
|
Common Loon (6/1–8/15)*
Common Moorhen
(5/25–8/25)
Common Tern (6/1–8/5)*
Arctic Tern (6/1–8/5)*
Least Tern (6/1–8/15)*
Barn Owl (4/1–8/1)*
Long-eared Owl (4/1–8/1)
Blackpoll Warbler (6/5–
8/10)
Mourning Warbler (6/5–
8/10)
Eastern Whip-poor-will
(5/25–7/15)
|
*The presence of an adult at an active nest is required.
**Pair demonstrating breeding behavior is required.
Visit mass.gov/vprs to register an account and to record rare bird breeding observations.
Have questions about VPRS? Please email VPRSAdmin@state.ma.us.
