Volunteer Rescuer’s Birds Reportedly Removed

CHICO, Calif. (CN) - The California Department of Fish and Game took two wild birds, a woodpecker and a crow, from a man who had saved them when they were wounded, according to a report in the Woodland Daily Democrat, Sunday.

Terry Duffert volunteers his time and spends his own money to take wounded birds to a vet, reported the paper. He maintains he has rehabilitated and released about 75 birds, the paper said.

Duffert says he has permission not to release the woodpecker and crow due to damage to their wings, said the Democrat.

If people see a wild bird treated as a pet, they might think anyone can do the same, Fish and Game Public Information Officer Janice Mackey told the Democrat.

When people see Duffert with the tame woodpecker and crow, he provides his contact information in case they need help with a wounded bird, the Democrat reported. He also takes the tame birds to hospitals and events because he "considers them therapeutic and educational," the story continued.

Duffert has worked with Bidwell Wildlife Rehabilitation for three years, but apparently did not know some of the rules, and did not have a permit to take the birds around town, the story states. The rules include that birds can't crawl on a person's arms, and that they must be kept away from other people, said the Democrat.

There are permits available for exhibition, but Duffert has known violations, reported the paper.

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