OK someone PLEASE explain the rule about not picking up FEATHERS?!

[FirstLight]

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!

[CrispyQ]

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

That's how it was explained to me. And I only found out about this law recently. I have dozens of feathers I've found outside over the years. Not sure about mailing them.

on edit: Native Americans are exempt in some cases, IIRC, if the feathers are to be used for ceremonial purposes.

[FirstLight]

4. I'm thinking of calling my local Forest Service wildlife people...

apparently you can get a permit for certain forest gathering pursuits. I also make wands/prayer sticks and gather those from my neighborhood for crafting...so maybe I'll posit the question to them...

[SheltieLover]

7. Please let us know what they say?

I love that you honor Nature by making prayer sticks.

Tyia!

[2naSalit]

11. The Forest Service may be able to help you...

But I think it may fall under the jurisdiction of USFWS...


USFWS:

https://www.fws.gov/lab/featheratlas/feathers-and-the-law.php

Some civilian info:

https://www.backyardchirper.com/blog/bird-myths-picking-up-a-bird-feather-is-illegal/

https://medium.com/tenderlymag/collecting-feathers-the-legal-way-78d3f2e4e4a

[5X]

2. All song birds are protected as are eagles,

endangered species, etc. To possess any part is illegal.

[In_The_Wind]

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

I googled the question. Looks like even a Blue jay or Cardinal feather can cost a fine of up to $15,000.

[oregonjen]

5. If it's on the list, then I wouldn't mail the feathers

My daughter’s ornithology professor had to get a permit for the term in order for the students to collect one feather on and around campus, to use for identifying the parts of the feather and bird type. After the lesson, the students were asked to put the feathers back where they found them and were strictly told they must not keep them.

[luvs2sing]

6. Well..crappers..

I have a few lovely ones I’ve found on my daily walks over the years. Guess I’d better take them down to the ravine and let them go. Sigh..

[LakeArenal]

8. You can collect feathers from non-migrating birds.

Hawks, Owls, Bluejays are probably okay

[FirstLight]

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

Gonna call the local USFS and make sure since I have lived here for almost 30 years in the Sierras and have several types of feathers, too...

[Grasswire2]

10. who knew?

Not me!

I have a cousin who collects bird feathers. I bet she doesn't know, either.

[Harker]

12. When I find one lying around at home, I bring it in

and it becomes part of the decor.

I would never take one by force or trickery.

little wing

colorfast relic

of a friend