A Dubbo pensioner has been fined $15,000 and placed on a lengthy bond for harming protected fauna.
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Anthony Somerville, 72, took 15 black swan eggs from a nest on a lake near Forbes.
The eggs, cleared of their contents, were some of at least 1000 bird eggs seized during the execution of a search warrant at his home.
The black swan is a protected bird in NSW under law and it is an offence to harm or collect the species including their eggs.
Somerville faced Dubbo Local Court this month and pleaded guilty to one count of harming protected fauna.
On December 21 magistrate Philip Stewart convicted Somerville, dealt out a $15,000 fine and ordered him to enter a five-year good behaviour bond.
A search warrant was executed on November 10 at Somerville’s home, with police and staff from National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Environment and Energy and the Australian Taxation Office present.
Authorities found the 15 black swan eggs blown - cleared of their contents by a small hole, court documents show.
A large number of exhibits were seized including a cabinet with 1000 to 2000 bird eggs, egg-blowing kits and other items, court documents show.
In an interview Somerville admitted to removing the swan eggs from underneath the mother swan on October 27 near Lake Cowal, about 30kms from Forbes.
He said that in order to get to the nest he had to wade through water before taking the eggs after scaring the mother away, the documents show.
On December 14 when Somerville first faced the court, the defence had asked he be conditionally discharged.
A solicitor said the charge before the court involved 15 eggs only and his client had not taken the actions for financial gain.
Nor was it intentional cruelty and Somerville was actually a “passionate bird lover”, his solicitor said.
The accused was “intensely invested in the study of birds to ensure their survival”, the solicitor said after handing up documents to support the submission.
The court heard the collection had been acquired over many years, and that the man was a pensioner.
Somerville will appeal the severity of his sentence in the District Court in February.
Co-accused Brandan Somerville, 20, is yet to enter a plea and will face court again in January.
