I'm not a member of PETA...but I'm interested in the reaction of other members of the forum to this story. My only thought is what would possess anyone to take pot shots at a bird sitting in a tree. Sorry if this has already been posted, I did not see it...

Isenhour charged with killing noisy bird during video shoot
Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Professional golfer Tripp Isenhour is charged with killing a bird on purpose with a golf shot.

The incident happened in December when Isenhour was filming a video segment for a television show "Shoot Like A Pro" at the Grand Cypress Golf Club.

Prosecutors say a red-shouldered hawk was making noise, forcing a video crew to film another take.

According to court records cited by the Orlando Sentinel, Isenhauer hit a number of shots, once hitting a tree trunk. The paper reported that on Isenhour's 10th swing, the ball hit the bird.

"I didn't think I would hit it," Isenhour said, according to court records.

A witness says the bird fell to the ground, bleeding from both its nostrils. The species is protected as a migratory bird.

The bird was buried on Grand Cypress property, the Sentinel reported, but wildlife officials dug up the bird in case it is needed at trial.

The 39-year-old golfer, whose real name is John Henry Isenhour III, is charged with cruelty to animals and killing a migratory bird.

He could face up to a $10,000 fine.

Isenhour hasn't played in a PGA Tour event this year. He won $471,980 a year ago and was 135th in the FedEx Cup standings.