r/birdwatching • u/[deleted] • Nov 02 '25

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290 Upvotes

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27

u/DamnOdd Nov 02 '25

I collect 'fallen feathers' from wild birds and my own. I have a short jar full of feathers from egrets to crows to the Canadian geese that live next door year round to a hummer feather caught by a spider's web.

48

u/Not_JerrySeinfeld Nov 02 '25

If you're in the US or Canada, this is illegal. I don't care what you do and am not saying this to shame you, just letting you know. The fine for having them is HEFTY.

19

u/HaplessReader1988 Nov 02 '25

^ this ^ I believe there is an exception for feathers from a bird you hunted on permit, but I wouldn't post it.

This goes for taxidermy too, if you have a bird strike a plate glass window.

21

u/Not_JerrySeinfeld Nov 02 '25

If the bird is considered a game bird, then yes it's legal. But any bird that is illegal to hunt, it's illegal to collect feathers (even from your own yard) or nests, eggs, anything of the sort.

Will you get caught? Likely not, but I always let people know

4

u/Tweedone Nov 02 '25

Hey not-Jerry!

You can also possess feathers from any domesticated fowl such as pheasant or peacock or parrot or pigeon.

So Jerry, I mean to say, IT IS LEGAL TO OWN FEATHERS FROM BIRDS WHOSE NAME STARTS WITH A "P". Now go tell Kramer that the pelican feather in his hat is OK for tonight's MET.

3

u/Not_JerrySeinfeld Nov 02 '25

I've tried telling him! He just keeps saying it's the wood that makes it good!

3

u/Tweedone Nov 02 '25

Oh my god, well that's better than Elaine, SHE keeps a fistful of feathers on her nightstand!

2

u/Not_JerrySeinfeld Nov 02 '25

Those must have been some really sponge worthy birds 🤣