Sent to Seller and Bidders in Regard to Sale of Hummingbird's Nest and Egg:
I hope you have your federal permits in order to sell an illegal bird's nest and egg. You have been turned into the US Wildlife Services for possession of and selling of a bird and its products protected under The Migratory Bird Act. I suggest you donate it to someone that has a permit, and we will also be informing all of your buyers, bidders, and eBay of this illegal act. Your item will also be used as evidence against eBay for not monitoring such items in a more professional manner.
Not reading the information on eBay's TOS Agreement on the selling of Prohibited Animal Species and Parts that is provided doesn't exempt you from punishment. And eBay's not properly monitoring these activities only makes them an accomplice. They are not exempt either.
By the way, the heavy fines for this felony are way higher than you could ever make on eBay!
CC: US Wildlife Services
Slightly Reworded and Sent to Buyer and Bidders:
I hope you have your federal permits in order to purchase an illegal bird's nest and egg. You have been turned into the US Wildlife Services for possession of and purchasing of a bird and its products protected under The Migratory Bird Act. We suggested that the seller donate it to someone that has a permit, and we will also be informing all of the buyer's bidders, and eBay of this illegal act. This item will also be used as evidence against eBay for not monitoring such items in a more professional manner.
Not reading information on eBay's TOS Agreement on purchasing of Prohibited Animal Species and Parts that is provided doesn't exempt you from punishment. And eBay's not properly monitoring these activities only makes them an accomplice. They are not exempt either.
The heavy fines for this felony are higher than you could ever make on eBay! You might have illegal contraband arriving at your home soon, but don't be surprised when law enforcement arrives.
CC: US Wildlife Svcs
Reworded and Sent to Every Bidder:
It's a good thing you didn't win this auction for the bird nest and egg. Do you have federal permits to purchase such an illegal item? The seller, buyer and eBay been turned into US Wildlife Services for possession of & purchasing of this item protected under The Migratory Bird Act. We suggested that the seller donate it to someone with a permit. This item will also be used as evidence against eBay for not monitoring such items in a more professional manner.
Not reading information on eBay's TOS Agreement on purchasing of Prohibited Animal Species & Parts that is provided doesn't exempt the buyer from punishment. eBay not properly monitoring these activities only makes them an accomplice, and aren't exempt either.
The heavy fines for this felony are high. I suggest you refrain from bidding on these kind of items in the future or get a permit to do so.
CC: US Wildlife Services
From the Sellers of the Bird's Nests:
rocketheeler@yahoo.com
Question for item #7140978390 - Real Robin Birds Nest From Last Season w Egg
Hi,
Thanks for your concern about the bird nest- I have recieved a few more emails telling me I was not to sell the nest. It was never my intention to break any laws- I checked before I listed the robins nest to see if it was ok- I didn't see red breasted robin on any
endangered list so went ahead. I thought some school teacher would like to have the nest to use as a teaching tool. Since I now know it is not legal to sell nests I will not do so in the future. My husband emailed the bidder on the nest and told them he did not want to sell it but could not take the listing off as it had less than 24 hours to go. THats the best I can do to make it right. Thanks again for the information. Sincerely, Alane
Alane,
Thanks for getting back to me. If you read the rules closer, it doesn't just mean "endangered animals", but ALL migratory birds are strictly protected. It specifically says ALL birds nests, eggs, feathers, especially birds of prey. It gave a hummingbird as an example, and all hummingbirds aren't on the endangered list either.
I realize that it's a lot of mumbo jumbo to read through and you obviously aren't out knocking down all the bird's nests in the neighborhood to make a quick buck (like a lot of those selling animal parts on eBay), but we are really after eBay for running such a sloppy ship.
Share
~~~~~
Dear ohnow,
I'm not sure if you are aware or not, but the bird's nest and egg that you are selling on eBay is illegal and a federal felony. I suggest you pull this item immediately and not finalize the transaction since you have been reported for selling an item protected under the Migratory Bird Act and enforced by the US Wildlife Services. Although you probably don't know any of this, it is YOUR responsibility to read eBay's Terms Of Service Agreement under Prohibited Animal Sales. It clearly states that you CAN NOT sell bird's nests or eggs. DO YOU HAVE A PERMIT TO DO SO? DOES YOUR BUYER HAVE A PERMIT TO PURCHASE AND POSSESS THIS ITEM? Even they will be heavily fined and the item confiscated if they participate.
eBay is ALSO at fault for not catching this and following their OWN TOS Agreement rules! This item is also going to be used and displayed as evidence in a case against eBay. If you want to stay out of trouble, cancel this item now. Thank you.
To respond to the question online, go to the URL below. You will have the option to display your response directly on your item page.
http://contact.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?
RespondToQuestion&iid=7140978390&qid=682406974
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Item # / Item Title
End Date
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7140978390
Mar-16-05
Real Robin Birds Nest From Last Season w Egg
Thank you,
greatskunkstuff
(Response from Buyer:)
zigzag_2u@yahoo.com
Re: Question from eBay Member
Skunks,
Thanks for the information. I had no idea it was illegal to purchase a birds nest. I also did not know anything about the Migratory Bird Act. I just did a search online and you are correct, from what I can tell. I thought it would be a unique gift for a friend. Again I did not know it was illegal nor do I want to be part of anything illegal. I've emailed the seller and asked for a refund and not to send the item to me. We'll see how they respond.
I really wish you would have sent the notice sooner.
zigzgaxterra
~~~~~
Thanks for doing the responsible thing.
It's tough doing eBay's job with no compensation. We are all wildlife rehabbers, educators, and animal advocates that do this out of our own pockets. It isn't our job to take care of eBay's responsibilities, so the war is on after trying to get through to them for a YEAR.
PROTEST: People Selling Animals and Parts on eBay Petition
Share Bond, President
www.ProtectRWildlife.org