The capture or harrassment of native birds ( particularly of vulnerable nesting birds) is a very serious offense, especially not only under federal but also state. I have attached a posting from Rob Jett on handy information for your convenience whenever you see such miscreant behavior.IN addition, I have included a contact name of the New York State Dept of Environmental Conservation enforcement for the NYC area from one of my contacts.
also, I have contacted the Urban Park Rangers which also does issue summonses (most punitive is the capture of birds).Ranger Tom Kerr is a regular patrolling ranger here in Prospect at times and knows about the Baltimore Oriole incident from my contacting him and he alerted his superiors. You can contact thier main at Marine Park Office at info@saltmarshalliance.org or Phone at: 347- 701- 8674
website: http://www.saltmarshalliance.org/smnc.html
It should be our duty as birders to watch and report whenever you see violations of bird nesters and their harrassment.Please be vigilant and watchful. Also, use wise discretion in approaching any suspicious characters,best to call the police and let them handle it. For best quick response to any violations, call the NYC Police dept and cite the laws i mention here and the previous post ( make a copy )links of MBTA1918 and NYSDEC
TheNYSDEC enforcement officer is Bernard Rivers, Supervising Environmental Control Officer - DEC Region 2 Dispatch - 718-482-4885,
cell# 646-423-8319
email bjrivers@dec.state.ny.us
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Posting from Rob:
Peter,
If anyone ever witness this activity there are two
things that should be done:
- If you have a camera in your cellphone, take the
perpetrators photos
- Call 311 or call the Brooklyn Urban Park Rangers
directly at 718-421-2021
Many years ago I caught a group of Jamaican guys
trapping birds in Prospect Park (they used glue traps,
and a caged Cardinal for bait).
One had a machete strapped to his leg. I stopped an
NYPD patrol car (they didn't know what to do, other
than detain him for the machete). They called a PEP
officer who arrested the guy. He was eventually
given a fine by the NYSDEC, but a minimal one because
he helped to track down the bigger fish in a songbird poaching ring.
You should write something up for the NYSbirds list,
to give people a heads up and what they should do.
Any recommendations from Tom would also be helpful.
If you want to put a scare into any poachers you come
across in city parks let them know that what they are
doing is a violation of:
- NYC wildlife protection laws
- NYS conservation and wildlife laws
- Federal statutes
- International laws
I was told by an officer from the NYSDEC who interviewed
me before prosecuting the guy that I caught in Prospect
Park, that the fine for poaching migratory birds in NYS
was $20,000!
Rob
