TOC’s Response to ERO 019…

TOC’s Response to ERO 019-1806: Proposal to expand the live capture of wild raptors (birds of prey) by licensed falconers
The TOC is opposed to the proposal as currently described to expand the capture of wild raptors for falconry in Ontario. We are not opposed to the practice of falconry or use of raptors as working birders to manage birds at airports; however this proposal risks harm to wild bird populations without providing sufficient rationale for the necessity of expanding the live capture of wild raptors in Ontario.
The TOC is one of the oldest birding clubs in Canada established in 1934 and we are committed to the ongoing conservation initiatives of migratory birds in Toronto and the surrounding areas, with a sound basis in contributions to scientific projects and studies.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is proposing to increase the capture of raptors from the wild by at least four times the current limit of 25 per year. Moreover, the proposal adds Goshawks to the capture list with a limit of five per year.
The TOC is opposed this proposal for the following reasons.
1. While the TOC supports the practice of falconry and use of raptors as working birds, there is no justification proposed for the need to increase wild capture to support these activities. Why is such a large increase – from 25 birds per year to 200+ justified?
2. The proposal states that the population of species allowed for capture: Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk and Merlin are abundant and secure populations. There is no evidence presented for this assertion. In fact, current observations from hawkwatch sites indicates that most raptor species are experiencing a steady decline in numbers. The TOC agrees with the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) recommendation to wait for the results of the third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas in 2025 to determine if the increase in taking wild raptors can be accomplished without damaging wild populations overall and in specific regions.
3. The proposal does not explain how impacts on wild populations are assessed or how the capture will be monitored.
4. The proposal states that Northern Goshawk populations are stable without providing any basis for this assertion. The first two Ontario Breeding Bird Atlases documented population declines for this species. The TOC, like OFO, cannot support adding Northern Goshawks to the allowed capture list unless the results of the third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas indicate that the population is stable.
5. The social benefit for this proposal is not justified. There is simply no justification provided for the need to increase the capture of wild birds or how falconry in Ontario will suffer if the take remains as it is currently at least until populations can be assessed with information from the third atlas.
In closing, for the reasons outlined above, we strongly urge the MNRF not to proceed with this proposal.
Angela Brooks, Conservation Committee
Toronto Ornithological Club