Queens bird burglars make Parks’ wanted list

The National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are looking for anyone involved with destruction of protected oystercatcher and piping plover nesting grounds. Photo via U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region

By Rachel Vick

Someone is messing with Queens’ protected shorebirds, according to federal agencies.

The National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are offering a reward of up to $5,000 to find whoever is behind a series of theft and destruction in protected bird nesting areas on Queens’ beaches.

Between May 13 and 15, nearly 60 American oystercatcher eggs and four piping plover eggs were taken from their nests between Beach 38 and Beach 57 in Arverne. Two days later an adult plover was found dead in the middle of the stretch of beach.

On May 20, two American oystercatcher nests were tampered with at Beach 64, according to the authorities.

Then, on June 11, protective fencing was destroyed and individuals were seen installing tents within piping plover breeding areas at Beach 56. Three plover eggs were missing after.

Another oystercatcher egg was found crushed in Breezy Point on July 6, though the exact date and time of the incident are unknown.

Piping plovers are protected as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act, and anyone tampering is subject to a fine of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment of up to six months for the taking of each egg or individual bird.

American oystercatchers are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and violations can result in a maximum penalty of $15,000 and/or up to six months in prison per egg.

NPS was not able to respond to requests on the investigative process.

Reports can be made to USFWS Special Agent Kathryn McCabe at 516-825-3950 or 1-844-FWS-TIPS (397-8477).