Here's a bit of information I had no knowledge of.
All hawks and owls are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 USC, 703-711). These laws strictly prohibit the capture, killing, or possession of hawks or owls without special permit. No permits are required to scare depredating migratory birds except for endangered or threatened species (see Table 1), including bald and golden eagles.
Table 1. Federally endangered or threatened raptors.
Name: California condor (Gymnogyps californianus)
Status: Endangered
Where Endangered: US (California and Oregon), Mexico (Baja California).
Name: Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Status: Endangered and Threatened
Where Endangered: US (Conterminous states except Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin)
Where Threatened: US (Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin)
Name: American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinis anatum)
Status: Endangered
Where Endangered: Nests from central Alaska across northcentral Canada to central Mexico. Winters south to South America.
Name: American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinis tundrius)
Status: Threatened
Where Threatened: Nests from northern Alaska to Greenland. Winters south to Central and South America.
Name: Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinis)
Status: Endangered
Where Endangered: Wherever found in wild in the conterminous 48 states.
Name: Hawaiian (lo) hawk (Buteo solitarius)
Status: Endangered
Where Endangered: US (Hawaii)
Name: Everglade (snail kite) kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus)
Status: Endangered
Where Endangered: US (Florida)
Name: Palau owl (Pyroglaux [=Otus] podargina)
Status: Endangered
Where Endangered: West Pacific Ocean: US (Palau Islands)
In addition, most states have regulations regarding hawks and owls. Some species may be common in one state but may be on a state endangered species list in another. Consult your local USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services, US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and/or state wildlife department representatives for permit requirements and information.
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