Norm has authorized this posting.

Dear MDOspreyer:

Apologies if you have already received this via the MOS listserve or and MOS Chapter.

An on-line petition has appeared, sponsored by parties unknown, asking the Governor to end the control of Mute Swans.  See http://www.savemuteswans.org/

This petition is full of misinformation, and even questions whether the Mute Swan is an alien species to North America.  It also asserts that the Mute Swan presents no threat to the health of the Chesapeake Bay.  In fact, they remain year-round, to devour bay grasses, which are vital to Bay restoration.  Three-quarters to all of the summer diet consists of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV).  And they present a direct threat to Least Terns, Black SKimmers, and wintering Tundra Swans.  One MOS member observed a single Mute Swan chase off 33 migrating Tundras when they dropped in for a rest on Lake Elkhorn in Columbia.  Another member observed a Mute Swan kill a Tundra Swan at Solomon's Island.  These creatures do not belong in Maryland.

MOS and the Howard County Bird Club have drafted letters to the Governor and Department of Natural Resources backing the current Mute Swan control policy.  

You can add your voice, by writing the Governor by any of the below methods:

Email address:  

Online web form: http://www.governor.maryland.gov/mail/

Address: Governor Martin  O'Malley
               100 State Circle 
               Annapolis, MD 21401-1925

Phone number: 410-974-3901

Keep it simple, state that the Mute Swan has no place in Maryland and you support DNR's control efforts.

Kurt Schwarz
Conservation Chair
MOS and HCBC