Problems with cattle egrets may be solved via a permit

By June Watanabe

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jan 12, 2012

~~<p>Question: Can you please help in checking into what the government is doing about those white "cow birds" that seem to be everywhere on the island? They were brought here to eat flies that bother cows, and spent their time sitting on cows' backs. I called several government agencies and was told by the Department of Agriculture that no one is doing anything. I've witnessed those birds eating small brown birds.</p>
<p>Answer: Although these cattle egrets do prey on the nests and young chicks of endangered seabirds and water birds, such as Hawaiian stilts, they are not considered "a widespread serious pest," according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.</p>
~~

Question: Can you please help in checking into what the government is doing about those white "cow birds" that seem to be everywhere on the island? They were brought here to eat flies that bother cows, and spent their time sitting on cows' backs. I called several government agencies and was told by the Department of Agriculture that no one is doing anything. I've witnessed those birds eating small brown birds.

Answer: Although these cattle egrets do prey on the nests and young chicks of endangered seabirds and water birds, such as Hawaiian stilts, they are not considered "a widespread serious pest," according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Login for more...