DOI completes changes that weaken Migratory Bird Treaty Act

In a final rule to be published in the Federal Register on Thursday, the Trump administration is implementing changes to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act that a federal judge last summer ruled should be tossed out.

Under the rule changes, unintentional killing of migratory birds, such as might occur if birds land on a pond of hazardous wastes, are not criminal. Only "pursuing, hunting, taking, capturing, killing, or attempting to do the same ... directed at migratory birds, their nests, or their eggs" would be illegal under the changes.

https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2021/01/interior-department-finalizes-changes-migratory-bird-treaty-act