Llanelli Naturalists Newsletter - June 1984

The shooting of the Crane in January, brought to our attention the need to inform people of the Bird Protection Laws. Basically ALL birds except a few pests and game species are protected. The pests are Carrion Crow (NOT Raven), Rook, Jackdaw, Magpie, Jay, Woodpigeon, Feral Pigeon, Collared Dove, House Sparrow, Starling and some Gulls.

Game birds cannot be shot between 1st February and 31st August (later for Pheasant), though below high-water mark duck can be shot until 21st February. It is illegal to shoot game birds on a Sunday in the old county of Carmarthenshire and also is    against the law to carry an uncovered gun on a public right of way (i.e. road, footpath). Generally, egg-collecting too, is illegal.

If any members see persons breaking the law regarding the shooting of birds, they should not hesitate to contact the police, taking as much detail as possible regarding the transgression of the law and the appearance, car number etc. of the offenders.