Legal Question

[bruno22rf]

Am I right in thinking that the eggs and young of ALL species of wild bird are protected by law whilst in the nest - would this mean that shooting, say, a pigeon on the nest was an illegal act?

[Fisheruk]

I do not know for sure, but I do know that Canada Geese eggs are often treated to prevent hatching in Nature reserves and parks etc., as a more humane way of controlling numbers.

[bluesj]

The general license allows for the taking of eggs and destroying nests of some birds

Think this is the one https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wild-birds-licence-to-take-or-kill-to-prevent-damage-or-disease

[CharlieT]

If you read the License (GL04), you will see that it says:-

 

Subject to all the terms and conditions of this licence and solely for the purpose(s) stated above, this licence permits Authorised Persons: i. to kill or take any of the wild birds listed at (a) and (b) below, to take, damage or destroy their nests or to take or destroy their eggs:

 

(b)

Goose, Canada Branta canadensis

Parakeet, Monk Myiopsitta monachus

Parakeet, Ring-necked Psittacula krameri

Egyptian goose, Alopochen aegyptiacus

 

So yes, you are correct. Shooting a pigeon on its nest and destroying the nest and eggs would be illegal.