A Cold Blooded Killer of Birds is On Trial

The Eagle Killer has now faced justice. It's all over the papers, Michael Zak Jr, who we wrote about back when he was arrested, is on trial this week for the downing of an eagle, as well as the cold-blooded murder of more than 250 other birds.

"Hatchery Owner Detested Herons," read today's head in the Republican. His employee recounted how Zak had told him he hated them, and had a name for a tree where the dead birds sometimes landed. The Hanging Tree, they called it.

During testimony, it came out that Zak could have just put up netting, but he thought it would cost $40,000. In fact the state hatcheries cover their ponds to keep out the herons for just about $12,000. Instead, sharpshooter Zak liked nailing the birds using his rifle.

The trial's big question is not so much about the herons as it is about our national symbol the eagle, which federal wildlife officials actually saw him shoot. But now a forensics witness is saying the bullet didn't match Zak's gun. Despite this, the judge looks like he's pretty set on punishing the deed. The trial resumes on Monday.