Snowy Egret Saved
There is no doubt that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act saved the Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) from extinction. Beautiful plumes of feathers from these gorgeous birds were so desired that they were hunted to the brink of annihilation. What other birds will be so threatened if the Migratory Bird Treaty Act is so weakened? RTPI protects the Snowy Egret and all other long-legged waders through the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds. Please spread the word and get many people to sign this via the American Bird Conservancy to help protect the MBTA! support.abcbirds.org/ProtectMBTA...
Read MoreMigratory Bird Treaty Act Under Fire
Please take a minute to fill out this petition through the American Bird Conservancy to uphold the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. If it was not for the MBTA we would not be able to enjoy many of the birds that we see around us every day. For example, the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds may have been moot as likely all long-legged waders, terns and other shorebirds would have been extirpated. How can it be that we are trying to unravel some of the 20th century’s greatest conservation achievements, pushed forward by many people like Roger Tory Peterson, here in the 21st century?...
Read MoreIllegal Snake Collection
This story from USFWS Northeast Region concerning the illegal collection and sale of wild reptiles is precisely the reason that we as an organization and as scientists are so careful about disclosing sensitive biological information. It is why I was and will be extremely secretive about locations of species like Timber Rattlesnakes whether it is to protect them from collection or from death. While most people are certainly considerate of life in the world around us there will always be a select misguided few who seek to profit or lash out from ignorance. I am hopeful our constant education...
Read MoreShooting Snowy Owls at airports
By now you have probably heard about this story but at 2:25AM on Monday, December 9 the New York Daily News posted an article detailing Port Authority ‘wildlife specialists’ that were now shooting and killing Snowy Owls at the New York City metro airports. Snowy Owls are currently in the middle of a massive irruption with sightings all over the Great Lakes and Atlantic Coast regions, a movement we thought could be coming even before it started in earnest. A Port Authority source told the NYDN that three Snowy Owls had already been killed with shotguns at JFK. They were added to...
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