Toledo lies along the Lake Erie flyway, and migratory birds are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act plus Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1531. Removing active nests, eggs, or feathers without a permit is illegal. Toledo encourages bird-safe lighting during migration peaks.
Magee Marsh and the Lake Erie shoreline funnel hundreds of warbler and shorebird species through Toledo each spring. The federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1531 prohibit taking, killing, or possessing protected birds, their nests, or feathers without a US Fish and Wildlife Service permit. Toledo property owners cannot remove an active swallow, robin, or chimney-swift nest until chicks fledge. Lights Out Toledo, a partnership of Black Swamp Bird Observatory and downtown property owners, asks buildings to dim non-essential lighting during peak migration in May and September. The Ohio Division of Wildlife handles enforcement and issues depredation permits when birds threaten public safety.
Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act violations carry up to 15,000 dollar civil penalties or misdemeanor charges; state takings under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1531 add fines and confiscation of equipment.
Toledo, OH
Toledo discourages wildlife feeding through nuisance provisions. Deer feeding is restricted under Ohio Division of Wildlife rules, and intentional feeding of...
Toledo, OH
Toledo has no formal dark-sky ordinance. Outdoor lighting is regulated under zoning glare and nuisance provisions, and subdivisions or parks near Maumee Bay ...
See how Toledo's bird protection rules stack up against other locations.
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