The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has the primary responsibility for administration of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (1918), its amendments, and subsequent acts. All migratory birds are listed as trust species and require USFWS to manage these species. The USFWS' Migratory Bird Program is responsible for maintaining healthy migratory bird populations for the benefit of the American people.
The Wyoming Ecological Services Field Office works to raise public awareness about the possible occurrence of birds in proposed project areas and the risk of killing or injuring birds or destroying active nests. Our office provides recommendations to minimize the likelihood that injury or death will occur. We encourage you to coordinate with our office before conducting actions that could lead to the death or injury of a migratory bird, their young, eggs, or the abandonment or destruction of active nests (e.g., construction or other activity in the vicinity of an active nest). If nest manipulation is proposed for a project in Wyoming, the project proponent should contact the Migratory Bird Management Office in Lakewood, Colorado at 303-236-8171 to see if a permit can be issued. Permits generally are not issued for an active nest of any migratory bird species, unless removal of the nest is necessary to address human health and safety. If a permit cannot be issued, the project may need to be modified to avoid impacting migratory birds, their young or eggs.
More information and guidance about raptors and eagles can be found in our Raptor Guidelines.
