Once in sight of the swallows on our first walk we realized they were not alone and were in fact under assault by 3-4 children. The parent swallows were swooping around all upset because the human children were throwing large rocks at the nests. :( We appealed to the kid's sense of wonder first to perhaps stir an awakening that these living creatures are mighty cool. We walked on a bit and then came back to find them on the other side of the bridge doing the same thing. We told them what they were doing was wrong and they had until we got home to get out of there because we were calling a conservation officer. Finding no conservation officer to call, we called the non-emergency police line and reported their behavior. We know an officer was dispatched, but don't know whether the kids were still there once the police arrived.
We took a walk back to the swallows today to find about 8-10 nests destroyed on one side with nesting material and eggs on the ground. The other side obviously had some destroyed too, but we did not get close enough to count.
SO - the point of this post is not to depress, but to inform. We confirmed with a friend who is a former U.S Fish & Wildlife employee that it is ILLEGAL TO DESTROY BIRD NESTS (or feathers, eggs, birds, or pieces & parts thereof) of any species other than house sparrows, pigeons & starlings. Eurasian collared doves are being considered for the latter grouping as well. All this is outlined in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.
So - word to the wise. Let's help protect our avian friends!
Sometimes the lack of respect kids (well, adults too for that matter) display is just so discouraging! From the destruction of other life, like the birds nests, to writing obscene things on playground equipment - I just want to say WAKE UP AND THINK!
ReplyDeleteGood for you for at least trying to get them to feel compassion for their fellow creatures!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the "what is it" question on my blog! I looked up blue eyed grass and that's exactly what it is. I love it.
ReplyDeleteKids - the ruination of America. I would prefer the approach of throwing rocks at the kids and telling them "now you know how the birds feel."
ReplyDeleteProbably why we don't have kids.
Dawn (hope to see you in October!)
That is bad news indeed. It all starts at home with the parent(s). I'm sure the kids were long gone before anyone drove by to check on it.
ReplyDeleteVery unfortunate.
What a shame to hear of that happening. It all goes back on the parents and our (society) disconnect with our earth. I knew birds were protected, but it just occurred to me that even though they are protected logging and tree removal is permitted year round meaning destroyed nest and nestlings. Steve, you know my struggles as a land manager and mitigating bird impacts. For most this is not even on the radar.
ReplyDeleteBird populations are taking a big dump for the most part. Thank goodness there are some places they can be safe.
b
I should also add that there are many wonderful children out there who are full of love and compassion. It is up to us adults and family to teach them to stand up for what is right and have the confidence to speak up and speak out. b
ReplyDelete