Surveillance cameras near Rivervilla Park in Clackamas County captured a man pulling what officials say were migratory osprey eggs out of a riverside nest, and Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife troopers now want the public's help tracking him down. The theft happened sometime in 2025 but was not reported to authorities until March, and local troopers say the incident damaged an active nest and put this season's brood at risk.
As reported by KOIN, troopers reviewed video that shows a male suspect in a blue T-shirt, blue shorts and white athletic shoes, carrying a backpack. In the footage, the man reaches into the nest, removes the eggs and then strolls off along a trail near the river as if nothing unusual just happened.
Troopers Seek Tips
The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division is asking anyone who recognizes the person in the video, or who has trail-cam or phone footage from Rivervilla Park in 2025, to get in touch. Per the Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division, tips can be sent through the Turn-In-Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or by emailing [email protected]. Troopers say tips can be submitted anonymously and may qualify for a reward through the TIP program.
Federal Protections Cover Nests And Eggs
Most native migratory birds and their nests fall under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as outlined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which makes it unlawful to take or possess migratory birds, their eggs or nests without a permit. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers those protections and works with state agencies on enforcement. Wildlife managers note that disturbing an active nest can cause adult birds to abandon the eggs, reducing the chances that the brood will survive.
How To Help
Anyone with footage, photos or other information from Rivervilla Park during 2025 that might help identify the suspect is asked to save those files and contact the TIP hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or email [email protected]. The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division urges witnesses to write down dates, times and any vehicle descriptions, and to steer clear of approaching or handling nests themselves. Troopers say even a short video clip or a single timestamped photo could be enough to make an identification.
Birdwatchers around Milwaukie say they are frustrated that anyone would target a nest in a public park, and troopers are urging neighbors to keep a closer eye on local green spaces as migration and nesting season continues. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the TIP line and mention the Clackamas County incident so troopers can follow up.
