eagles 1 --chickens 0

[SandraChick]

Let's get it straight!

Killing any raptors FOR ANY REASON is a federal offense (by the way, owls are also raptors). Eagles are additionally protected by their own federal law "the Eagle Protection Act". So it has nothing to do with wether they are listed under the endangered species act or not.

If anyone tells you it's better to ask forgiveness than permission....don't forget that Judges will tell you that ignorance is not an acceptable excuse.

I AM really sorry for your loss. I suspect the reason you are getting eagles on the edge of your fire break is that rodents have also been disturbed and the eagles will take advantage of that (yes, they prefer fish, but they're not too picky). Additionally, by having such an open space, they now can soar over to prey (including to your chickens). Eagles, especially bald eagles are generally lazy and will eat carion as well as steal their meals from other raptors. I hope it settles down for you--they should be migrating soon.

Sandra

 

[ivan3]

Don't pick up any feathers that you can't identify and hang them from your rear view mirror:

http://www.birdsofprey.blm.gov/nat-res/bop-legal.htm

 

[MayberrySaint]

If you are a true farmer raising pasture broilers as an example...can you kill a hawk or eagle if they are taking your birds? I know ranchers can kill bears and wolves if they are killing lambs or calves, but does the same thing apply to raptors?

Never mind...I just read SandraChicks response..."FOR ANY REASON"...

 

[panner123]

Quote:
Sandra, I'm in no way about to shoot an eagle. I know you can not even pick up an eagle feather. My grand children and I have spent many hour watching them catch fish in the pond.
One of the most enjoyable things is watching the parents teach the young
birds how to fly and catch fish. We can sit on our deck and listen to the young calling to the adults when they are hungry or when something is getting to close to the nest. The parents come from no where to protect the young.
I may gripe about losing a chicken or two to them, but that is what they do
when they are hungry.

 

[SandraChick]

I wasn't suggesting that YOU would harm an eagle...but in reading through all the posts, there was a lot of misinformation....and I wanted to make it clear for EVERYONE.

I'm a wildlife biologist and get asked a lot about raptor issues. I really hate it when government officials don't know the facts and thus misleading citizens. The courts are clear....ignorance is not a defense....

Sandra