Birders

FirstLight

(15,771 posts) Tue Nov 24, 2020, 03:24 PM Nov 2020

OK someone PLEASE explain the rule about not picking up FEATHERS?! [View all]

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!

12 replies

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OK someone PLEASE explain the rule about not picking up FEATHERS?! [View all] FirstLight Nov 2020 OP

It's to keep from creating a market for feathers, & hence a motivation to kill birds. CrispyQ Nov 2020 #1

I'm thinking of calling my local Forest Service wildlife people... FirstLight Nov 2020 #4

Please let us know what they say? SheltieLover Nov 2020 #7

The Forest Service may be able to help you... 2naSalit Nov 2020 #11

All song birds are protected as are eagles, 5X Nov 2020 #2

There are 800 different types of birds that migrate in or through North America. In_The_Wind Nov 2020 #3

If it's on the list, then I wouldn't mail the feathers oregonjen Nov 2020 #5

Well..crappers.. luvs2sing Nov 2020 #6

You can collect feathers from non-migrating birds. LakeArenal Nov 2020 #8

see, that's what I thought but it looks like Stellar's Jays are on the list? FirstLight Nov 2020 #9

who knew? Grasswire2 Nov 2020 #10

When I find one lying around at home, I bring it in Harker Nov 2020 #12