Birders
Related: About this forumOK someone PLEASE explain the rule about not picking up FEATHERS?!
I have a writer's group I am involved with and as a Christmas gift I was going to send each of them a Jay feather (reminds us of a favorite character)...
Someone in the group said to be careful mailing feathers because according to the Migratory Bird Protection Act - It's illegal to even HAVE feathers?
So I'm now falling down the rabbithole trying to read this Act and yes, the Stellar's Jay is on the list...but these were literally found in my own yard. How much trouble will I get into for mailing them? Will the post office even notice?
I need some more info...help!
CrispyQ
(36,424 posts)That's how it was explained to me. And I only found out about this law recently. I have dozens of feathers I've found outside over the years. Not sure about mailing them.
on edit: Native Americans are exempt in some cases, IIRC, if the feathers are to be used for ceremonial purposes.
FirstLight
(13,357 posts)apparently you can get a permit for certain forest gathering pursuits. I also make wands/prayer sticks and gather those from my neighborhood for crafting...so maybe I'll posit the question to them...
SheltieLover
(57,073 posts)I love that you honor Nature by making prayer sticks.
Tyia!
2naSalit
(86,333 posts)But I think it may fall under the jurisdiction of USFWS...
USFWS:
https://www.fws.gov/lab/featheratlas/feathers-and-the-law.php
Some civilian info:
https://www.backyardchirper.com/blog/bird-myths-picking-up-a-bird-feather-is-illegal/
https://medium.com/tenderlymag/collecting-feathers-the-legal-way-78d3f2e4e4a
5X
(3,972 posts)endangered species, etc. To possess any part is illegal.
In_The_Wind
(72,300 posts)I googled the question. Looks like even a Blue jay or Cardinal feather can cost a fine of up to $15,000.
oregonjen
(3,334 posts)My daughters ornithology professor had to get a permit for the term in order for the students to collect one feather on and around campus, to use for identifying the parts of the feather and bird type. After the lesson, the students were asked to put the feathers back where they found them and were strictly told they must not keep them.
luvs2sing
(2,220 posts)I have a few lovely ones Ive found on my daily walks over the years. Guess Id better take them down to the ravine and let them go. Sigh..
LakeArenal
(28,806 posts)Hawks, Owls, Bluejays are probably okay
FirstLight
(13,357 posts)Gonna call the local USFS and make sure since I have lived here for almost 30 years in the Sierras and have several types of feathers, too...
Grasswire2
(13,565 posts)Not me!
I have a cousin who collects bird feathers. I bet she doesn't know, either.
Harker
(13,985 posts)and it becomes part of the decor.
I would never take one by force or trickery.
little wing
colorfast relic
of a friend