Bird feathers and the Law

skarekrow · #1 (**permalink**) 20-10-2011, 07:44 PM

Is it illegal to own feathers from wild birds?

I have in my possession a number of feathers which were collected on hillwalking trips over the years: all the feathers were found on the ground and none were taken from live birds.

As no birds were disturbed, captured, injured or killed, I imagined that no laws had been broken.

However, I recently noticed this section of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) which states:

"Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person has in his possession or control—.
(a)any live or dead wild bird or any part of, or anything derived from, such a bird; or.
(b)an egg of a wild bird or any part of such an egg,.
he shall be guilty of an offence"

I had hoped to photograph these feathers (together with other found objects such as squirrel-gnawed pine cones, pebbles, owl pellets, skulls etc) for inclusion in my blog....is this a really bad idea?

How strictly are these laws enforced with regards to feathers/fur/skulls?
Is there any way to get these items checked out and prove that they were obtained legally? Or should I just get rid of them?

-Opinions?- (but please, no abuse!)

(I am aware of the laws regarding birds' eggs/eggshells and I don't collect these, nor do I intend to)

Kayleigh · #2 (**permalink**) 20-10-2011, 11:16 PM

Hi and welcome to WAB..
not sure on the law but others on here including me have posted images for ID on feathers skulls.
Hope someone puts you out of your misery soon...

King Edward · #3 (**permalink**) 20-10-2011, 11:42 PM

Millions of people must pick up and take home feathers at various times, so I can't really see this being an issue. For a small general 'nature collection' of this sort, where it's obvious that these are random items you've found lying about, I think you'd be fine. I think the law is written more against those who might deliberately kill wild birds for their feathers, e.g. for use in fashion.

htcdude · #4 (**permalink**) 21-10-2011, 07:48 AM

I agree with King Edward. I mean I'm always finding Pigeon feathers in the garden, so they're in my possession in a way, but I don't think I'll get arrested

Nige

skarekrow · #5 (**permalink**) 21-10-2011, 07:32 PM

Thanks guys, you've put my mind at ease!

Naturenutz · #6 (**permalink**) 21-10-2011, 07:36 PM

I am not sure if there is any laws on owning feathers but i think there is a law on selling some of them.Not sure what ones though

thebeard · #7 (**permalink**) 21-10-2011, 10:23 PM

i have a beautiful barn owl feather, its incredible and especially interesting as it dropped from a bird flying overhead while we did some work on a reserve back in the summer. i really dont think owning the odd bird feather is an issue!!!

hels · #8 (**permalink**) 21-10-2011, 11:59 PM

I believe naturenutz is on the right track, I don't know the exact law (and it may be European rather than uk law) but it is my understanding that there is an issue with selling feathers from certain rare species? And I have also been told that these restrictions apply to bird keepers (in zoos for eg) giving said feathers to the public...

I don't know for sure tho.

I'm doing a module at college at the mo on uk zoo licensing and wildlife regulations. If I remember after half term I'll ask my tutor if she knows anything about it