NEW YORK — The National Park Service (NPS) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are searching for the person or persons responsible for destroying at least one protected shorebird egg off Breezy Point in Queens, New York, offering up to $5,000 to anyone who may have information about the incidents.
“Our reaction is one of anger and disgust. Narrow-minded cowards, who like to hide in the shadows, commit such heinous acts. But with that, the message is now clear that there will be zero tolerance for those who abuse or harass species in our city,” Chris Allieri, founder of the NYC Plover Project, told our sister network. NBC New York.
Allieri is a Brooklyn resident who last year launched the nonprofit NYC Plover Project, a volunteer-run New York City organization that carefully patrols the dunes to protect its endangered residents. Since then, the volunteer group has grown to 75 members and plans to double its strength next year, according to Allieri.
Since May of this year, there have been several cases in the counties and Long Island where eggs, nests and enclosures were damaged. A Piping Plover was found dead on Beach 47 in Arverne, Queens, on May 15.
The most recent case was on July 6 at 6:00 pm when smashed American oystercatcher eggs were found in Rockaway Point, New York. The exact day and time of the event are unknown.
Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, fines are $15,000 and/or up to six months in prison for each oystercatcher egg taken. For the destruction of the Piping Plover, the fines are even higher, at $25,000 with the same prison terms.
New York City and Long Island are home to migratory birds such as Piping Plovers and American Oystercatchers. The former is considered an endangered species in New York state and is federally threatened, according to the New York City Parks Department, while the latter is protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. .
In spring, these two species arrive at breeding grounds in New York and remain awake until late summer before migrating south for the winter.
“These incidents only make us stronger, bolder and more committed. We will continue to find ways to work with schools and children on the peninsula to help spread the message, but we also hope that law enforcement finds those responsible for these incidents.” barbaric acts and prosecute them”. with the full weight of the law,” added Allieri.
Federal investigators are asking the public to report any information about these events to USFWS Special Agent Kathryn McCabe at (516) 318-7383; NPS Jamaica Bay Unit 24-hour dispatch at (718) 354-4700; or 1-844-FWS-TIPS (397-8477).
In an effort to help these shorebirds, the National Park Service has posted what guests should be aware of when going to the beach, such as following posted rules, keeping dogs on leashes, respecting roped-off areas, taking garbage and not feed the birds.
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