Texas: Birds falling from sky "Poisoning"

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 Protected birds are dying all over the Lubbock area ... and some are pointing to poison.

Air Date: 3/29/2006

It sounds like something out of a Hitchcock movie, but it`s happening here in the Hub City. But what`s causing this odd phenomenon?

"The only logical explation is poisoning," said Carol Lee, with the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.Lee says they`ve seen an increase in protected birds, like grackles, literally fall out of the sky in convulsions and die.

So far, two dozen birds have died. But it`s not just grackles; protected birds, like cowbirds and redbirds have fallen prey to poison. 

"Several came from the Tech campus, several from 95th and Indiana," said Lee. "We don`t know if an individual or groups are contracting with private individuals."

Lee says poisoning pigeons is legal, but it must be done with extreme caution. The center thinks the recent influx could be a pigeon poisoning gone bad. 

"In this case, everything was dying, so it was either more lethal or in concentrated areas, with a lot of poison and a lot of birds dying," she sais.

Lee says there are legal ways of taking care of those pesky protected birds, but poison isn`t the answer. 

"You start killing canada geese and songbirds, they are protected by law. If it`s reported, you`re liable to be in the crosshairs of criminal investigation," said Lee.

The rehab center is trying to keep a record of the birds they think might be poisoned, but they need your help. The center says if you find a bird that appears to have been poisoned, bring it to the center at 95th and Indiana, or call them at 799-2142.

http://www.klbk13.tv/news/default.asp?mode=shownews&id=1520

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Guests Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Guest Group	Post Options Post Reply Quote Guests Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Texas: Birds falling from sky "Poisoning" Posted: March 31 2006 at 2:34am
	Protected birds are dying all over the Lubbock area ... and some are pointing to poison. Air Date: 3/29/2006 It sounds like something out of a Hitchcock movie, but it`s happening here in the Hub City. But what`s causing this odd phenomenon? "The only logical explation is poisoning," said Carol Lee, with the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.Lee says they`ve seen an increase in protected birds, like grackles, literally fall out of the sky in convulsions and die. So far, two dozen birds have died. But it`s not just grackles; protected birds, like cowbirds and redbirds have fallen prey to poison. "Several came from the Tech campus, several from 95th and Indiana," said Lee. "We don`t know if an individual or groups are contracting with private individuals." Lee says poisoning pigeons is legal, but it must be done with extreme caution. The center thinks the recent influx could be a pigeon poisoning gone bad. "In this case, everything was dying, so it was either more lethal or in concentrated areas, with a lot of poison and a lot of birds dying," she sais. Lee says there are legal ways of taking care of those pesky protected birds, but poison isn`t the answer. "You start killing canada geese and songbirds, they are protected by law. If it`s reported, you`re liable to be in the crosshairs of criminal investigation," said Lee. The rehab center is trying to keep a record of the birds they think might be poisoned, but they need your help. The center says if you find a bird that appears to have been poisoned, bring it to the center at 95th and Indiana, or call them at 799-2142. http://www.klbk13.tv/news/default.asp?mode=shownews&id=1520