You are here:

Birding/cutting trees with nesting birds

Advertisement

Expert: - 5/24/2010


Question
My neighbor is planning to cut down 3 evergreen trees with nesting cardinals and other species now in late May in RI. I am concerned as to the safety of the birds. The arborist and our DEM says there are no laws protecting the birds - and that cardinals are not on the endangered species list. Any information would be appreciated.

Answer
The arborist and DEM (whatever that is) are wrong. They should know better. Virtually all birds (except House Sparrow and Starling and Rock Pigeon) are protected by Federal Law. They don't have to be on the endangered species list. It is against the law to harm or harass any bird or disturb the nest or eggs. You can read the details of the act here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Migratory_Bird_Treaty_Act_of_1918
Call your local FEDERAL wildlife agent.

Birding

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Roger Lederer

Expertise

Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.

Experience

Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.

Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.