Field Notes

Since the last time the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) reviewed the status of Puget Sound steelhead in 1996, the trout’s numbers have fallen steeply. In September 2004, noting distinct downward trends in steelhead populations, retired fish biologist Sam Wright of Olympia, Oregon, urged the government to reconsider the fish for federal protection. NMFS has listened, recently proposing that they be listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act.   
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/12093688/

On Wednesday, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced that after a 2-1/2-year investigation dubbed "Operation Mongo," authorities have busted 14 poachers. The charges include spearing bullfrogs out of season, spotlighting deer, and illegal possession of an endangered timber rattlesnake and the severed feet of a protected owl. Maybe “Operation Weirdoes” would have been a better name.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/custom/newsroom/chi-060406poach,1,5289073.story?coll=chi-news-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true

A wild turkey, know as Rufus to the owners and patrons of Culdesac, Idaho’s Jacques Spur Junction Cafe, has been making a good living and gaining notoriety by charming diners out of their leftovers in the eatery’s parking lot. But with the state’s turkey season starting in a week, Rufus had best stick close to Jacques. That is, as long as he doesn’t come inside, cook Kristie McDaide told the Lewiston Tribune. "I'd throw him right in my pot."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/04/AR2006040401570.html