Hayden man fined for killing osprey

COEUR d’ALENE — A Hayden man who shot and killed an osprey with a pellet gun will pay fines and spend time on probation. 

Michael Hardin pleaded guilty Wednesday to unlawfully taking an osprey, a misdemeanor. The osprey was once critically endangered. Today, ospreys are protected birds of prey and it is illegal to harm them. 

The citation stemmed from June 14, when Hardin shot an osprey that lived near his home on Avondale Golf Course. Neighbors found the dead bird and reported the incident to Idaho Fish and Game. 

First District Judge John Cafferty sentenced Hardin to 90 days in jail but suspended the sentence and placed Hardin on unsupervised probation for one year. Hardin must pay a $600 fine, with $300 suspended, as well as $50 in restitution to Fish and Game. He must also complete an in-person hunter safety course. 

Before delivering the sentence, Cafferty said the illegal taking of an animal is a crime against the community. 

“The wildlife belongs to the people of Idaho,” he said. “You took your neighbor’s bird. You took my bird. You took (the prosecuting attorney’s) bird. You took the bailiff’s bird.” 

Prosecutors said that although Hardin initially lied to law enforcement about killing the osprey, he later confessed and agreed to take responsibility for his actions. 

After a neighbor cut down the tree where the ospreys had nested for more than eight years, the ospreys reportedly built a nest in a tree on Hardin’s property, about 100 feet above the ground. Hardin said the birds frequently relieved themselves while flying over his backyard, causing frustration and annoyance. 

Because it’s illegal to destroy an osprey nest with a mating pair in residence, he fired a pellet gun into the air in the hopes of getting the birds to change their flight routes, he said. This was unsuccessful. 

“I went out on the patio on that afternoon and shot into the air at the bird,” he said. “Unfortunately, I struck the bird in flight. It spiraled around and must’ve landed on the golf course.” 

Chrissy Kaye, Hardin’s neighbor, found the dead osprey and reported the killing to Fish and Game. She received a $250 reward, which she donated to Birds of Prey Northwest.

A chick reportedly died in the nest and an egg never hatched because the mother osprey wasn’t there to keep them warm. 

“He killed three birds,” Kaye said Wednesday.

The osprey’s mate may never return, she said. Ospreys generally mate for life.

Kaye said the killing has rocked the close-knit Avondale community, where most neighbors enjoy the wildlife, including deer and osprey. 

“Incredible creatures,” she said. 

Hardin said he deeply regrets killing the osprey and hopes to earn the community’s forgiveness. 

“It was a horrible decision,” he told The Press. “I’m going to do everything I can to make amends. My neighbors are very important to me. I lost friends. I hope to get them back.” 

Kaye said she believes the community can forgive Hardin eventually. 

“He is ostracized in our community,” she said. “He is known as the osprey killer. I would like for him to be known as the guy who made it right.” 

To begin the healing process, Kaye said, Avondale residents will host an educational event featuring raptors from Birds of Prey Northwest. 

The event is scheduled for noon Monday at the Avondale Golf Course clubhouse. Seating is limited and donations to Birds of Prey Northwest are encouraged. To reserve a seat, call 208-772-5963.