This information collection is associated with regulations implementing the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA; 16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.). The MBTA implements four treaties concerning migratory birds that the United States has signed with Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia. Under the treaties, we must preserve most species of birds in the United States, and activities involving migratory birds are prohibited except as authorized by regulation. 50 CFR 21.43 is a depredation order for blackbirds, cowbirds, grackles, crows and magpies that authorizes take of these birds. Persons and entities acting under the depredation order must provide an annual report on the number of birds taken, months and year taken, States and counties where taken, and the general purpose for which the birds were taken.
50 CFR 21.43(f )(6) requires that when an injured or debilitated bird of a nontarget species is federally listed as an endangered, threatened, or candidate species, you must deliver it to a rehabilitator and report the take to the nearest U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Field Office or Special Agent.
We are reporting 35 annual responses totaling 81 burden hours, which is an increase of 5 responses and 21 annual burden hours from our previous submission. We are reporting as a program change:
⢠18 annual burden hours associated with new reporting requirements for annual reports.
⢠5 responses and 5 annual burden hours associated with the new take report.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Take Report (govt)