Legislation allowing the elimination of pest birds has been passed with support throughout the Senate — except for Independent Senator James Jardine, who voiced strong misgivings.

“I have a real problem with this Bill, as a nature lover,” Senator Jardine told the Upper House, after the Protection of Birds Amendment Act 2015 was given its second reading by One Bermuda Alliance Senator Lynne Woolridge.

Sen Jardine said he was well aware of the damage wreaked by invasive species such as the common crow, starling, kiskadee, house sparrow, feral pigeon and feral chicken.

However, he pointed out that the original 1975 Act had not designated “pest” species as the new legislation did, but simply differentiated birds as either protected or not protected.

“My problem with somebody culling pest birds is that I think you’re going to say it’s open season to kill them,” Sen Jardine said.

Although the Bill specifies that Environment Minister Jeanne Atherden would have to authorise anyone who would destroy pest birds, Sen Jardine said he suspected the legislation would lead to indiscriminate killing.

While he found the early morning calls of kiskadees annoying, Sen Jardine said Bermudians had to recognise that the Island’s environment had been irredeemably tampered with, and that “kiskadees are part of our lives now”.

Responding to a question from Opposition Senator Diallo Rabain, Sen Woolridge said the Department of Airport Operations reported bird collisions in the range of two to ten times a year. All birds culled in Bermuda are disposed of at the Tynes Bay waste facility.

Under the present regime, nuisance birds are shot by conservation officers using a .22 calibre single shot air rifle, Sen Wooldridge said.

The new legislation allows for persons with the minister’s leave to shoot pest birds. Both the minister and the police commissioner must approve an applicant separate licences, which come with stringent conditions on use, methods, duration, storage of equipment and disposal.

The use of a firearm would be “a last resort”, Sen Woolridge added, after trapping and other measures.