That is a strange story. Sounds like a very old European method of catching birds. I wonder if the guy was having success. I hope not. Did this guy really think
he would not be noticed at a place like that? In this case of course it is important that the “glue sticks attached to an artificial Christmas tree”
is also removed.
Technically if he was doing it in his backyard he would not be committing an offence.
There is of course a range of information on domestic goldfinches if you look on google. Also they are used to hybridise with canaries and the offspring are sterile (“mules”)
and said to sing nicer than a canary and inherit some of the goldfinch’s more colourful plumage.
About “Technically if he was doing it in his backyard he would not
be committing an offence.” That may perhaps be actionable on animal cruelty laws though I imagine that would be a challenge......
Philip
From: Maconachie, Michael [
Sent: Thursday, 18 August, 2016 11:57 AM
To: Anne Fulker; COG Chat
Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] Illegal trade in Goldfinch [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Just for your collective info. I caught a male person trying to trap Goldfinches at Jerra Wetlands (a few months back). He was using two caged birds to attract
in wild birds to glue sticks attached to an artificial Christmas tree. He wanted a male for breeding as apparently you can’t buy them in Australia – not part of the Finch breeders species.
Technically if he was doing it in his backyard he would not be committing an offence.
We have all his details and have checked them out with the AFP.
If you come across someone doing this then let me know. Obviously if it is the same person we will prosecute as they have been clearly informed of the legislation
even though it involves a feral animal.
Michael Maconachie
Senior Ranger
Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve
ACT Parks and Conservation Service
Environment and Planning Directorate
0428 113 533
www.jerrabomberrawetlands.org
From: Anne Fulker [
Sent: Thursday, 18 August 2016 10:50 AM
To: COG Chat
Subject: [canberrabirds] Illegal trade in Goldfinch
Good morning,
A very unpleasant article from a UK newspaper. I thought I had heard something about this on the radio and have found this article.
