Pennsylvania Man Cited In Deaths Of Bald Eagle, Blue Herons

LEHIGHTON, Pa. (KDKA/AP) - A wildlife officer says a Pennsylvania man fatally shot a bald eagle and five blue herons.

The Allentown Morning Call reports the officer filed citations Tuesday against 46-year-old Carl Marion two weeks after the birds were shot.

The Carbon County resident faces six counts of illegally taking a protected bird and one count of illegally disturbing wildlife.

Wildlife officer Joel Gibble says he found the five blue herons near Marion's property while investigating the bald eagle's shooting. The herons appeared to have been shot and left to die where they fell.

Bald eagles and blue herons are protected under state law and are not considered game animals. The fines for the citations total more than $200.

Marion could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Thousands of Pittsburghers became interested in Bald Eagles after a pair created a nest in Hays.

The pair hatched three eaglets last year, all of which was caught on a live eagle cam.

This year, none of the eggs survived. However, birders and enthusiasts are hopeful a Peregrine falcon, named Dorothy, with a nest on Cathedral of Learning, will hatch an egg.

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