Rachel Park
Annandale, Virginia, USA
Outside, I found this egg while a bluejay was in the middle of eating it. I’m sad that it was eaten by a blue jay, but that’s what blue jays love to eat. (When they can find it.) I don’t know what songbird egg this so please ID!
Eastern Bluebird?
Maybe? I really don’t know.
I actually think it’s not an eastern bluebird because I don’t usually see them around this time of year.
A robin?
Sad.
Yes, it is.
Eastern Bluebird or American Robin.
Thanks! Probably maybe an american robin.
Remember that it is illegal to have bird eggs and feathers. Its also illegal to harass, kill or disturb any native bird.
Yes, I’m keeping that in mind, but is it all right to keep an empty eggshell that’s fallen to the ground?
The egg is not owned once it’s fallen to the ground.
Having any part of a wild bird is illegal. Even picking up a feather and keeping it is illegal.
Then should I throw away the eggshell? Or, what should I do with it?
I’d put it back where you found it. A bird could eat it for calcium.
Ok, I’ll do that. Thanks!
So, is it all right for me to keep the eggshell?
I don’t think so, just judging on the fact that you can’t even own feathers. If you told someone that you had a bird eggshell, they could assume that you broke a bird egg to get the shell.
I think that’s a catbird egg. Seems like a better color match than robin or bluebird. Size would help.
Also I have a collection of feathers I found and I think it’s completely fine…don’t tell anyone…
It’s illegal to own feathers. If you have bird feeders than enjoy the birds without breaking the law to have feathers.
Collecting bird feathers could cost you a $15,000 fine. Violators of the MBTA can be penalized with fines of up to $150,000 and/or serve six months of jail time. That’s a steep price to pay for a feather. Collecting bird feathers is illegal because of Migratory Bird Treaty Act. There is no exemption for molted feathers or those taken from road- or window-killed birds.
It’s not just “fine” it’s a crime that can put you in jail.
I won’t. You should just put the feathers back outside.