As regular CFZ-watchers will know, for some time Corinna has been doing a column for Animals & Men and a regular segment on On The Track... particularly about out-of-place birds and rare vagrants. There seem to be more and more bird stories from all over the world hitting the news these days so, to make room for them all - and to give them all equal and worthy coverage - she has set up this new blog to cover all things feathery and Fortean.

Tuesday 26 August 2014

Doubletree Bird Poisoning

updated: Aug 25, 2014, 9:46 AM 


Source: Environmental Defense Center

The Fess Parker Doubletree in Santa Barbara was investigated and found in violation of regulations related to its poisoning of up to roughly 21 protected and desired bird species at its Cabrillo Boulevard location. After complaints were filed by the Environmental Defense Center (EDC), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Santa Barbara County Agricultural Commissioner investigated this matter and have concluded that the Doubletree applied a bird poison known as Avitrol in bird feeders and illegally used this poison with the intention to control pigeons and sparrows near the hotel's rotunda.

EDC received several reports from Santa Barbara residents between February and April 2014 and contacted CDFW wardens which were dispatched to the site. It was quickly determined that the Doubletree placed bird food in feeders for several weeks then hired Hydrex to periodically place the poisoned bait in the bird feeders. No experts were employed by the hotel to monitor the poison to ensure that it only affected target nuisance species birds. This violated the Avitrol Mixed Grains label which specifically states "Avitrol must not be exposed in any manner that may endanger desirable and protected bird species." Additionally, the Avitrol label states "a certified applicator must ensure children, pests, and non-target species do not come in contact with the blend during the entire application period." Hydex left bait at the site unsupervised, thus violating Avitrol label use restrictions.

No comments:

Post a Comment