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Nelson Bulanek, 54, Convicted for Poisoning 69 Protected Birds
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Nelson Bulanek, 54, Convicted for Poisoning 69 Protected Birds

VICTORIA, Texas – In a shocking case of environmental crime, Nelson Bulanek, a 54-year-old rice farmer, has been convicted of poisoning 69 protected birds, including 65 brown-headed cowbirds and four red-tailed hawks, on his Danbury rice farm.

Bulanek pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason B. Libby on February 22, 2024 and was ordered to pay a $10,000 community service payment to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Operation Game Thief Program and must serve two years of probation.

The case began when TPWD officials received reports of numerous dead and dying birds on and near Bulanek’s property, leading game wardens to suspect the birds were poisoned. Authorities collected several dead birds and conducted field necropsies, which revealed the presence of Dicrotophos, an organophosphate inhibitor used as an insecticide.

Bulanek admitted to ordering his workers to mix a barrel of rice with the pesticide Bidrin and spreading the poisoned rice on a recently harvested rice field for the purpose of killing birds.

‘The FWS Office of Law Enforcement contributes to service efforts and mission by conserving migratory birds through the enforcement of federal conservation laws,’ said Southwest Region Special Agent in Charge Nicholas E. Chavez. ‘Intentionally and illegally poisoning federally protected migratory birds will be pursued and investigated by our agents.’

Bulanek was charged with one count of violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which provides protection for migratory birds. The charges were the result of an investigation conducted by FWS and TPWD, with Assistant United States Attorney Hugo R. Martinez prosecuting the case.

Bulanek’s conviction serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our nation’s wildlife and the severe consequences of harming these protected species.