teawitch:

vampireapologist:

vampireapologist:

if one more person “corrects” me about bird laws in the US I’m gonna yell. over 800 species of birds fall under the migratory bird treaty, including cardinals, blue jays, and a host of other “common” birds.

so to be clear:

1. no, it’s not just for raptors.
2. no it’s not just for endangered birds.
3. no, it’s not legal to take home any feathers.
4. yes, it is enforced.
5. yes, people get in legal trouble for having illegal bird parts every year.
6. no, you won’t be arrested if you or your kid takes home a feather from the park, that’d be a waste of government resources.
7. yes, you WILL get into deep deep trouble if you use those feathers for art or anything else and display, sell, or trade them.
8. yes, this is an important law.
9. no, it’s not going to and shouldn’t be changed.
10. yes, indigenous people have access to bird parts the rest of us cannot legally own.
11. no, that’s not unfair. it’s their right.

Stop!! Telling people “this only applies to endangered birds” bc you’re spreading misinformation about a For Real Federal Law thanks!!!

Here is a comprehensive list of the birds protected under this law in the US.

US witches – this is important. The list is long and basically, if it isn’t a domesticated species, it’s probably on the list. And no, you can’t just say it’s part of your religion. There is a very specific law that allows Native Americans the use of eagle feathers, but it does not provide a general religious exemption. 

Now if you picked up a feather from the backyard and put it on the altar, don’t panic. It’s unlikely a park ranger will come search your house and arrest you over a random crow feather. Though I personally would be cautious about having a large collection of feathers or bird parts, including skeletons. And if you’re selling items on etsy made with feathers or other bird parts you’ve collected, you could potentially face fines and legal challenges. 

Feathers you buy at craft stores are from domesticated species and often dyed to look fancier. It may seem less witchy to buy your feathers at Michael’s, but legally, it’s safer