There are a few different ways to legally and ethically acquire bird eggs in York. The most common methods are checking nestboxes, finding abandoned nests, and collecting fallen eggs from the ground. It’s important to know the laws and regulations around collecting wild bird eggs, as well as follow best practices to minimize disturbance to birds.
Checking Nestboxes
One way to get bird eggs is by monitoring nestboxes put up specifically for research and conservation purposes. Many ornithological organizations and bird banding operations maintain networks of nestboxes to study breeding birds. With the proper permits and authorization, it may be possible to collect abandoned eggs from these nestboxes.
Nestboxes should only be checked by trained personnel at appropriate times to minimize disturbance. The nest should not be checked more frequently than every 2-3 days during egg laying and incubation. All visiting nestboxes should be recorded. Any eggs collected must be properly prepared and catalogued for research purposes.
Finding Abandoned Nests
Another way to acquire bird eggs is by finding nests abandoned by their parents. However, extreme care must be taken not to prematurely assume a nest is abandoned. Disturbing or destroying active nests is illegal under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Nests should be observed from a distance for signs of adult activity before making any attempt to inspect the contents. If no adults are seen visiting the nest for several hours, it may be assumed the nest is abandoned or the young have fledged. The area must still be approached cautiously so as not to disturb any nearby active nests.
Any collected eggs must not show signs of embryonic development. Fertilized eggs are protected under law and should not be taken.
Collecting Fallen Eggs
Bird eggs that have fallen naturally from their nest may also be collected in certain circumstances. However, there are limitations to this practice.
The fallen eggs must show absolutely no signs of development or embryo when candled. Undeveloped eggs may have been pushed out by the parents or fallen due to high winds, structural nest failures, or other disturbances.
The eggs must be collected soon after falling, before they become cold. Leaving the area quickly after collection is also crucial to avoid leading predators to active nests nearby.
As with nestboxes and abandoned nests, the location and details should be recorded for any fallen eggs collected.
Laws and Regulations
There are a number of federal and state laws regulating the collection of wild bird eggs in the United States:
- Migratory Bird Treaty Act – prohibits take, possession, import, export, transport, sale, purchase, barter or offering of migratory birds, their eggs, parts, and nests.
- Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act – prohibits take, possession, sale, purchase of bald or golden eagles or their parts, nests, or eggs.
- Endangered Species Act – prohibits take, possession, sale, transport of endangered or threatened species and their nests/eggs.
- State wildlife regulations – regulate collection/possession of native bird eggs and nests, permitting requirements.
Any collecting must be done under proper permits, licenses, and authorization. Most collecting is done for specific scientific research and conservation purposes. Collecting eggs for personal use or profit is typically prohibited.
Ethical Considerations
Beyond legal restrictions, there are ethical considerations when collecting wild bird eggs:
- Disturbance to birds should be minimized. Nest visits/checks require permits and training.
- Nest abandonment can occur if disturbance is too severe.
- Collecting eggs reduces wild bird reproductive rates.
- Habitat loss is a major factor in bird population declines.
- Egg collecting should only be done for research aimed at helping bird conservation.
Responsible collecting practices, such as checking nestboxes under protocol and only taking abandoned eggs, help reduce detrimental impacts. Leaving some eggs behind or replacing with dummy eggs may help prevent nest abandonment.
Permitting Agencies
Agencies that may issue permits for wild bird nests and egg collection in the United States include:
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Issues federal migratory bird permits.
- State Department of Natural Resources – Issues state collection permits.
- Universities/Museums – May have institutional permits for research collection.
- USGS Bird Banding Lab – Issues permits for bird banding studies.
- Audubon Societies – May permit egg collections for conservation programs.
Proper state and/or federal permits are required for any egg collection. Additional permits may be needed for endangered species, eagles, or take of adult birds. Strict reporting and protocols must be followed.
Preparing Eggs
Collected wild bird eggs must be carefully prepared for storage and research purposes:
- Record collection date, location, species, clutch size, etc.
- Use field equipment like calipers to measure eggs.
- Gently clean eggs of any nesting material, feces, or dirt.
- Allow contents to settle 1-2 days if shaken.
- Drill/punch small hole in side of egg and shake contents out.
- Flush with water, allow to dry completely.
- Package properly in compartment boxes layered in cotton.
Proper drilling/blowing technique is needed to preserve the shell. Cleaned eggs must be stored in climate controlled spaces to prevent mold growth. Detailed records should accompany all prepared egg specimens.
Reasons for Collecting Eggs
Scientific collection of wild bird eggs can support research on:
- Species life histories and breeding biology
- Geographic variation in size, shape, color of eggs
- Effects of environmental contaminants on eggshell thickness
- Changes in breeding phenology over time
- Evolutionary and taxonomic classifications
- Historic museum collections documenting extinct/declining species
Careful egg collection combined with nest monitoring provides valuable data to inform avian conservation efforts and protect threatened populations.
Conclusion
Obtaining bird eggs in York requires proper ethics, care, and permitting. When done responsibly for research aimed at benefiting bird populations, the scientific collection of wild bird eggs can be an important conservation tool. However, collectors must minimize disturbance, follow regulations, and employ best practices that put the birds’ well-being first.