Anyone who has ever delighted in the joy of finding a feather, understands the value that could be placed on their ownership. Their beauty and intricate patterns are desired and could increase the value of any item they are added to. This is best illustrated through the decline of birds during the early 19th century, acquiring their plumage, to adorn elaborate headpieces for the wealthy.
This practice was interrupted by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. According to the Audobon Website “The MBTA provides that it is unlawful to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, possess, sell, purchase, barter, import, export, or transport any migratory bird, or any part, nest, or egg or any such bird, unless authorized under a permit issued by the Secretary of the Interior. Some regulatory exceptions apply. Take is defined in regulations as: ‘pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or attempt to pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect."
Wait! What!??!! I can't collect feathers that I have found on the ground! I would NEVER harm such a beautiful creature! I am guessing, that as you read this, you might be thinking the same thing. However, taking a moment to stop and process, the need for such a treaty is understandable, for the protection of such majestic creatures.
Their feathers are not ours to possess. They are granted to us to bring joy, present a message, and signify hope. My desire is that their image, captured in nature and glorified in your home, will continue to pass on this message to you, through time and space.