birds feathers  

So picking this up from my yard rather than running over it with the lawn mower I can get into trouble???? I didn't pluck it from the bird, it was on the ground and would have been chewed up by the mower when I went over it anyways..

This may be true, but how are you going to prove to the DNR game warden that you found them in your yard opposed to you plucking them from the bird? See that's the problem. It's the possession of the feathers that is against the law. Like I said if you don't believe me, call your local DNR office and find out for yourself. You will see that I am not full of it. Or you could choose not to make the call and make some thing with the feathers. But when or "if" you get in trouble, I mean if you want to take the chance that's up to you, but you can't say I didn't warn you.

It would be harder to prove that you actually took the time out to capture the birds and physically pluck the feathers from the bird. Gee whiz... who really has time to capitalize on THAT???!!!

Besides, the act is mainly for those who would DESTROY nests of these birds listed. The House approved a conservation bill back in 2000 I believe and that's probably what this alarmist is referring to. The actual Migratory Songbird Act simply does not allow active nests to be destroyed. ACTIVE meaning a nest containing eggs or babies.

Finding them in your yard is fine. If you're worried just contact your local game warden. I'm sure common sense would prevail as far as some things like this. Besides, who has the time to arrest all those cats who like to catch birds?

Besides, I collect the feathers, also. I make earrings from them. Most of the time I give them away. Occasionally to game wardens whose children have a special appreciation for animals, birds included. I also have a bunch of other feathers I use.

Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release has a hotline... I THINK this is still the number... I'm sure it can be looked up online somewhere...
WRR‘s hotline (530-432-5522)

WRR is how I am personally aware of the actforsongbirds.org thingy.
Here's their site: http://www.abcbirds.org/action/index.html

It'll give you a better idea of what's what so you aren't prodded by alarmists in the future. Just don't go capturing the little buggers just because you want to make a ton of money getting their feathers. :P

Unfortunately I found they are no longer in style.. But I will keep the ones I made and even use the blue jay ones for another pair, just in case the fashion comes back.

Oh.. it's still here.. just different markets. You don't have to use them strictly for earrings, you may try using them for hat pins, headbands, etc.