A Message from the Conservation ChairDear Members, Right now, we need your help and to come together as a wildlife conservation community. A few weeks ago, a Royal tern was purposefully hit, run over, and killed by a man riding an eBike on Redington Shores. Please see the story by clicking here: Police looking for man they say hit, killed Royal Tern with electric scooter on Redington Shores beach. I am asking you, as a supporter of St. Pete Audubon and our local birds, please contact our State Attorney General's office right away. Here is what I suggest you could say: “I am urging that the individual, illegally riding his e-scooter on Redington Shores Beach that ran over a Royal tern, be charged to the fullest extent. A felony of animal cruelty is warranted as this incident has occurred during shorebird nesting season, and this species is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act*. Furthermore, this individual had total disregard for multiple things, including not only the presence of many shorebird and seabird species, but also the safety of beachgoers, particularly children, and the city's e-mobility ordinance. I feel it is extremely important to set a precedent that this blatant disregard will not be tolerated. Thank you.” *The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) prohibits the take (including killing, capturing, selling, trading, and transport) of protected migratory bird species without prior authorization by the Department of Interior U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Thank you for your help and concern for this incident.
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