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["featherchaser@xxxxxxxxxx" <featherchaser@xxxxxxxxxx>]

This morning, at around 9:40AM, I stopped by the public boatlanding area
down the street from the Henricus Park/Dutch Gap entrance.

I observed two trucks with DGIF staff along with 2-3 other citizen's
vehicles.  I noted that there was a small congregation of birds on the
"overflow" parking area that is on the left side of the access road and
technically on VA Dom Power land.  The birds were on the ground, and some
where in the trees.

After one of the DGIF personnel got out to survey the area visually with
field glasses, I decided to drive up and ask him a few general questions.  

I parked, got out, and approached their truck; they initially didn't want
to receive me, but when I requested to have a word as I had some questions,
and the same gentleman got back out to speak with me.  Essentially, I
sought clarification on whether or not there was a cull planned for today,
where the trap was, how the killing was to be conducted, and how many
animals will be affected, etc.

The DGIF staffer showed me where the box trap was located (from where we
were standing on the hill), noting that it was baited with a deer carcass.
Seventy (70) birds were killed and removed yesterday (Tuesday, December
13).  I asked what manner of extinguishment was used, and he stated the
birds were being euthanized, though when I asked again how this was done
(by injection, for example), he stated the that pellet guns would be used
to kill the birds.  We conversed about a few other general things, namely
that USFWS's Director, a Mr. Lowry (though I might be spelling/pronouncing
that incorrectly) would be there shortly, and they had a permit to remove
birds. I thanked him, and we got in our cars.  They promptly left the
public boat and drove away into the Dominion VA Power area of the property.

As I was leaving the boatramp area, I viewed the trap area and noted that
there were at least fifteen (15) dead birds inside the trap with the bait
carcass.  Other bystanders were also driving in, apparently to observe or
gather information as well.

According to the whitepaper on removal plans (posted on the list yesterday
for viewing by Caroline Coe), the estimated number of birds removed from
this one site alone is significant, is being done in public view, and it
appears that the either the birds are being shot in public view or the that
the bait carcass is poisoned.

I will be returning there on my way home from work this evening to gather
more information.

This information was posted as a public service announcement as it directly
impacts birds native to Virginia.

Thank you.

Irene-Eva Ries

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