Man accused of shooting at protected birds to protect squirrels to face judge

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A Portsmouth man accused of shooting at hawks in violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act will face a judge on Thursday.

Federal prosecutors said Robert Ferreira was charged with four counts of hunting, taking, killing, or attempting to kill migratory birds.

Ferreira, 64, is accused of shooting about 50 to 80 hawks with a pellet air gun. He allegedly shot at hawks to keep them away from squirrels that visited feeders in his backyard.

The alleged incidents took place from October 2018 to April 2021.

Neighbors reported hearing popping sounds from his property that sounded like weapons, according to court documents.

Some reported that they saw hurt and dead hawks near his house.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act forbids the hunting, capturing, and killing of certain birds, including the red-tailed hawk and cooper hawk.

Prosecutors said the offenses connected to violation of the act can be punishable by up to six months in prison and a fine up to $15,000.