General Discussion & Chat: Reminder: Bird Nests Are Protected by Law, 1 by Floridian

Floridian wrote:
Excerpts from ENS News:
WASHINGTON, DC, April 22, 2002 (ENS) - Even when nesting birds make a mess around houses and buildings, it is illegal to harm them, warns the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
The Act prohibits destruction of nests with eggs or young, or possession of migratory bird parts. Violations can carry maximum penalties of $15,000 and/or six months in jail.
It is not a violation, however, to prevent the birds from constructing their nests, and non-native birds such as starlings and house sparrows are not protected under the Act.
"A bird must be just beginning to build it's nest - just a few sticks or pieces of mud," said Anne Badgley, director of the UFSWS Pacific Region. "However, sometimes people wash down a nest and don't pay attention to the site for a week or so, only to find the nest has been reconstructed and has eggs in it. Once the nest has eggs, it is protected and its destruction or removal is illegal."
An active nest - one with eggs or young - may be removed only under a special permit issued by the USFWS. These permits are issued only if the USFWS determines that a nest poses a hazard to human health or safety.
Complete text: http://ens-news.com/ens/apr2002/2002L-04-22-09.html#anchor8