I don't think it's right for them to euthanize the parakeets. How would the people, such as the power company, like to be euthanized themselves? It's not the parakeets fault so why should we euthanize them for just trying to live and go about their merry way. I understand that they are causing power outages, but if the people around the neighborhood like it, then why not try and put up poles that the parakeets can build their nests on? Try different techniques before resorting to death of an innocent animal who is just trying to survive like the rest of us.

No, most emphatically no! I sure don’t understand how they can consider death a solution; we are too eager, anymore, to find the easy way out of all sorts of things. Let them get involved in a humane way of taking care of this situation, which might include and outside organization. Let them take the effert to same these birds.

I support euthanizing the parakeets because they are a non-native, invader species, whose nest-building habits endanger and inconvenience many. Transfering nesting sites to other poles is unlikely to be successful long-term. Even if they accept them, they will quickly fill those and then again return to the power poles. With no natural enemies, populations will sky rocket.

Parakeets are sweet and lovable birds.
Killing those birds is just flat out retarded.
Did it take them all night to come up with that idea?
Why not just catch the birds and send them to the zoo's instead. See, that idea came to me in like 5 seconds.

Probably the same morons that cancelled all the ferrys right before a mojor holiday/travel weekend.

I don't believe these birds should be killed. If they need to be removed the power company should spend some of their excessive profits and have them moved somewhere that is safe for the birds. Killing an animal just because they are a annoyance is sick and inhumane!

No, I don't think it is right to kill them, if they are going capture them give them to a zoo.
Now I can see where they can cause problems and if they multiply in enough numbers. The quaker Parakeet can destroy crops in no time, but contained in a zoo they would be fine.

NO! We can relocate cougars and bears, and protect rattle snakes and snails, why not find a more humane alternative.

Mike

Typical. Couldn't be bothered to ask around for homes for them? There are several bird rescue/sanctuary homes as well as regular people who would take them. Perfect example of lack of ethics or compassion by those morons with the power. Makes me vomit.

I Think the last coment says it well. I second.

you can have my parakeet when you pry his cold dead feet from my light pole!

First off, PUD needs to be sued for breech of contract. They are not and have never held up their end of what they said they were going to do. I live a couple of houses down from the nest and there has been no problems from the birds. And 3rd the nest is no 2,000 pounds. Two men carried the nest off on a tarp when it came down to the ground.

Why should the birds be killed? There are many people that would adopt and care for a bird or two (or more); or even be temporary foster parents (including myself), so it doesn't make any sense. People in the position to do good don't always make the right choices. Power seems to go to their heads without looking at, or caring about the consequences. Killing seems to be the easy way out, probably cheaper. Whatever happened to having a conscience?

On the way to Key West, from Miami FL, you will notice that man made nesting perches are occupied! Humane, innocent, compassion & understanding, have these become meaningless words? I'd prefer, that all irresponsible pet owners be euthanized.

there are several foster homes that can be found for these Quakers. to kill them is an outrage. there are better solutions then to murder an innocent bird. contact the bird groups in western washington and see if someone can foster these birds .

Where is my Red Ryder!

I think you folks need your heads examined to even think about euthanizing parakeets? Are your mental faculties in place? How many times have buildings been put on hold due to this owl or bird that has made its home there? Leave the parakeets alone.

The only thing I could wish is that the people killing the birds will come back in their next life as a bird and see how it feels!

Send them to us we will take them!

badassmustangs.com kicks major ass bitches!!! KILL DEM BIRDIES!!!

Good thing I don't live closer, or I'd be euthanizing some PUD employees!

Did anyone bother to ask for volunteers to adopt the birds? If they're trying to catch them anyway, why not give them to someone who will care for them?

Were they euthanized by cops via taser?

Imagine if 50 were Pit Bulls killed in the same way!

Should Read:

Imagine if 50 Pit Bulls were killed in the same way!

Killing is not the answer. Go back to the drawing board. There are alot of people willing to take them. If nothing else, put them in an aviary in the zoo. Just because they are birds gives you no right to kill them. They are trying to live and survive as they have for many years. Please be humane!

Why not put the power lines under ground? That way you would not have the polls and nest. There is NO reason to kill. Offer them to rescue places. These are after all, God's creatures and we need to take care of them.

Quakers are wonderful companions. I know they can build the large nests that can interfere with utility equipment but there are plenty of quaker lovers that would volunteer to assist in the rescues if they were notified in advance. I have 7 birds and 2 are quakers. It tears me apart to think these innocent creatures are killed rather than rescued.

No, it is not right to kill the birds. Most Americans are not native to USA, so what is the logic that just because they are not native, they don't belong here. There are many wonderful rescues all over the country that would have helped out! I guess killing is the easy way since it does not require much thinking or researching.

Quakers (Monk parakeets) are incredible birds. I have a couple myself, and both were adopted. They are incredibly adaptive, as witnessed by the fact that they are NOT native here, yet, unlike most species who have 'escaped' their home, they DO survive, and flourish. There are many places in the US where wild quakers are cherished additions to communities! Check out http://www.brooklynparrots.com/ and watch some of the movies of the wonderful birds at play in the city, and then maybe ask yourself how these wonderful guys can be killed? My heart is breaking here! I have a Quaker sitting on my shoulder as I type, how could anyone kill something so special?

Also... the whole 'not native' thing irks me... if a child is born here, he's considered a citizen, no? Why not the birds? We don't kill children born to immigrants who aren't here legally - NO, in fact, we have special programs for them... so don't even try that 'they are not native' crud... *grrrr*

i think its wrong to kill those birds they should be brought to the pound for reabilition so they can be adoupted by people who want them . if i could have pets i would take a few myself

someone suggested bury the power lines, what about the worms? how many of them would needlessy die from all that digging? then what about the survivors getting brain tumors from the E M fields?

if all the worms die or get brain tumors then what are the parakeets going to eat? maybe we need to adopt a law when someone gets deported they have to take a parakeet with them. that way we git rid of all the illegal immagrants weather they have feathers or not.

I love the quakers, they are so full of personality. I would take 30 of them, call me at 253-444-3094.

They should have made arrangements with any of the many Washington bird groups to take the birds as rescues. There are tons of folks who would be happy to take them. We could probably tell them an efficient way to capture them too, but I won't divulge it here if they just plan to kill them. And what, by the way, do they consider humane?

Parakeets taste like chicken.

There has to be a better way to deal with the birds, consider that the only Parrot native to the U.S is EXTINCT! Consider the quakers a second chance.

"whale call"

Grilled parakeet salad yum yum

There has to be a better way of dealing with the birds, as stated many times in the previous comments. I am totally against euthanizing them.

EUTHANIZING FTW!!! Who cares about a bird if you can't eat it anyways?!?!

www.americanmustangs.net for all you mustang fans!!!!!!

Kill them all! They aren't even supposed to be there! While they're at it, they should drive down to oregon and take care of that Deer Snowball! Animals are Animals and should not have the rights as humans!

Killing these poor birds is not a problem solving action. We don't kill other birds that nest around our homes so why kill these. Find a solution to the problem not a slaughter. I am a bird owner myself and would never kill my bird because he becomes a pest and causes damage. Which is somethiong I live with daily with him. If they can put nesting platforms in the river for other birds then why not do it here too. Please stop the sensless killing now and find a way to support these beautiful creatures! Why doesn't the aspca step in and put a stop to this slaughter? Wake up people!!! We have killed enough creatures in this world already just because they are a incovenience to us. I would be more than glad to give some of these wonderful birds a loving perminent home. If that is needed then please reach out and let us who love birds take them in and give them a wonderful home.

Have they thought about contacting exotic bird rescue in Eugene Oregon or S&D Exotic bird rescue in Keizer Oregon. There are people who foster birds for adoption.

I wonder how concerned the people of the area would be about Parakeets when the power is out in the middle of the night because of birds nest shorting out the transformer? Hmmmm, I wonder.

I also have a Quaker, a sweet and saucey little bird. The thought that these are to be killed without even trying a rescue is completely deplorable. Think of the example to our children...this is cruelty to innocent creatures, and gross laziness from those in power. Might is not necessarily right. If PUD will not even try a rescue, they should be ashamed. It makes me ashamed and embarressed for them. And how will they explain this to those children who know that there is a better way?! No--they are not people, but we are responsible for humane behavior towards them. It doesn't matter if they are native or not. Very few of us are native, and even fewer have anscestors who were born here. That doesn't even matter when it comes to letting them live. They can be relocated. I'll sign up for a couple myself.

How unfortunate that the intelligence of the PUD personnel is so compromised that they choose to kill innocent little parrots. YES! PARROTS. The Quakers are in the parrot family. They are the only species of this genis. They were thought to be related to parakeets many years ago. Time for more education people! Quakers will not cause great harm to crops! It is illegal to cause harm to Quaker Parrots in some states! Quaker Parrots are protected in Chicago. Now are you paying attention? Do you know that birds, specially small ones (even Quakers), are being used in therapy for autistic children and stroke victims? Should you or your family be faced with either of these complications, I hope you think about the therapy birds needed for these patients. Perhaps the one you killed would have contributed offspring to help your family! Birds are the second or third most intelligent animal in the world! I compare parrots to humans quite often. They are better than some humans I know! Perhaps more intelligent than the people who decided to slaughter these unassuming creatures. The dangers perceived by the "powers that be" are only partially true. Build the platforms for the Quakers to nest in. People in Yacolt, specially those near the destroyed nest sites, can build them. Contact me and I will get instructions for you. I breed Quakers. They are wonderful birds for children and families just wanting a companion. More so, children who are allergic to furred animals. There are ways to mitigate the nest building and protect the transformers. Just ask me! I will willingly help the PUD with ideas for the plan as I did for another company. Read the book; "Parrots In The City" by John-Mark & JoAnn Davey with Mattie Sue Athen. A very good book that is slightly outdated, however educational. Quakers learn to use human language. have you learned to use thiers? Try it! Remember the Carolina Parakeet? No, because it too was slaughtered by humans many years ago to the point of extinction.
COME ON PEOPLE, PROTECT THESE WONDERFUL GREEN BIRDS.

My mom has a Quaker bird that we both love & can't imagine life without him. The idea of these innocent birds being slaughtered is WRONG!! These birds don't deserve to die. Allot of birds make better living creatures than allot of humans existing in this world. Maybe it's the humans that should be the ones to be killed & not the innocent animals!!!!

Yeah, i do not think it is right to kill them you need to just let them be. Its wrong, there living just like me and you . So those people should leave them alone they didn't do anything to any one. There harmless little birds. And there beautiful.

Those vile creatures are disrupting our way of life. It is very much right to kill them. You pansies need to STFU on here and go capture the birds yourselves if you really give a crap about them. Fucking hippie crybabies.

I think that Quakers are wonderful pets to have and they DEFINATELY SHOULD NOT BE EUTHANIZED!~ I personally own 8 quakers; two of which are pets. I would be willing to take and relocate the birds but I live way down in Florida. I know SEVERAL people who would love to have them. They are absolutely WONDERFUL birds!~ Some other plan needs to be devised other that Euthanasia.
Moonlightsdancer@aol.com

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE STOP KILLING THESE PARROTS!
I am the owner of the Quakerlovers Yahoo group. We have over 700 members all who are appalled at the senseless killing of these wonderful little creatures.

You mentioned the state of Florida having the same problem but have you looked in to how they are dealing with it? The utility company is working with Quaker groups when they need to destroy a colony (not nest). The utility company contacts a member of the Quaker Parrot community who arranges to be at the location of the colony to be destroyed. The utility employees hand all eggs and hatchlings to the Quaker representative so they can be incubated and hand reared for adoption or sale. The adult parrots usually fly off and should not be captured. However, if they are captured they should not be killed but turned over to the Quaker representative for taming or release in a Quaker friendly area.

There are feral Quaker populations all over the United States with New York, Chicago, and Texas being three. Maybe you could contact the utility company or Department of Wildlife in one these locations to get an idea of how they are controlling the situation without killing parrots!

Please try to find a more suitable means of controlling this problem. Killing innocent birds that are only doing was is instinctive is cruel and inhumane.

Paula Mungioli

The Department of Wildlife wants them dead. They are a nuisance and cause more problems than they are worth...well, they aren't worth anything to begin with so their value is srsly down the crapper. They need to capture the winged rodents and feed the homeless with them!

This situation is very similar to that which happened in Connecticut back in 2005 when United Illuminating decided to kill the parrots without investigating humane control methods.

Only after a firestorm of negative publicity enveloped the company did it cease the killings. It seems that the Washington State company has learned nothing from this experience.

Too bad, because there are definitely humane solutions which work. But (as illustrated by several comments on this page) one of humanity's basest instincts seems to be to automatically resort to violence and cruelty, instead of learning from others' mistakes.

Parakeets
Nest should be removed for several reasons:
They case power outages.
Fires
Danger from electrocution for the power company employee.
Keeping the power on is a contractural obligation
to the State and it's citizens
Portable generator kill when the power is out.

Yes, they are cute!
Would you like to be responsable for the damage? How much has the utility spent on this problem? What if an employee is electrocuted or We have
a transformer oil fire dripping from the pole.

That does not sound cute!

I feel there is NO reason to euthanize the living birds that have been caught when there are rescues and sanctuaries out there willing and able to take the birds into protective custody. I an take up to 50 of the birds and have a large free flight aviary to house them permanently. I am HAPPY to sign a contract stating that the birds would never be released into the wild as well.
I live just south of Yacolt, Wa and know that PUD has tried a few things, like working with another person who claimed to be knowledgable with the birds and what a fiasco that was! Which is probably why they haven't turned to other rescues though why let a bad apple ruin the barrel??? They did take down the nests and the birds came back because the transformers on the power poles are nice and warm, heck I would too! They certainly have not contacted me to take the birds or help with any kind of relocation, nor have they contacted SW Humane Society to take the birds either (I work directly with them so know that for a fact).
We are looking into this and asking a vet if there is a way to create a type of knock out gas in a smoke bomb that is timed and just place it in the nest, let it do it's work then remove the sleeping birds to the aviary without killing them. That would be MUCH better PR.
I also know that the neighborhood that the quakers live in LOVE the birds and don't want them killed. I also know that Federal Wildlife has stated that these birds are NOT causing a problem with the eco system, just like the quakers at Portland Airport have not either.
I truly do NOT think everything has been tried.

leave the little colorful birds alone but get rid of the damn "STARLINGS"

Trapping and moving animals costs money. Probably a lot more than paying some hillbilly to kill them with a pellet gun or handgrenades. The more it costs the company, the higher their customers bills will be to recover the money. Why trap and keep them in a sanctuary when you could feed the homeless for practically nothing?

Get rid of the parakeets. They are non native and no one knows haow they will fare if left to reproduce...Remember the Starlings??These birds can devastate seed crops in the fields
and they leave their droppings by the ton...If the bird lovers like the Parkeets, let them move to where the birds live.. jim

Just as starlings were introduced by some idiot into Central Park, so were the quaker parrots let loose by irresponsible people. Who pays.. the quakers. The facts are....yes they are cute and make wonderful pets (I have one), ...no there aren't enough homes or shelters or resources to rescue them. Lets use what resources we have wisely for pet birds who are displaced by the death of their caregiver or when circumstances interfer that make fid parents give up their fids.

Again it is easy to critisize, but what are YOU doing to help displaced birds? Do you foster?

Let's face it. They are wild bird that are invading the habitat and pushing the natives species out. What about those poor birds? Should they be pushed to the point of extinction, because some idiots let their birds out?

My suggestion is use a pellet gun and euthanize the ones causing the problem. And if any complain about how horrible i am, well i bet you eat your meat only when it's wrapped in celophane. If you really want a cause, look at the humane treatment at our slaughter houses.

Kill 'em all, I am off to molest a Shelby GT-H.

Shame on whoever decided to murder those Quaker Parrots.they are a strong intelligent bird,we brought them to this country, then when they get away,KILL them, It takes a very compassionet and intelligent person to salve a problem by KILLING something!!!!they are doing what god ment them to do. SHAME,SHAME,SHAME, get smart, think of a better solution for all, SAVE THE BIRDS.Merry Chirstmas !!!! Mildred A bird lover

Unfortunately, since the rescue trucks can't find the birds today I will wager $50.00 that the USDA already snatched them up and killed them early this morning. What most citizens don't understand is that Fish & Wildlife and the USDA lackeys who come out in vans to kill animals are people who enjoy killing, who are hired to do so because they are high on the psychopathy checklist, and the government is comprised of many sick individuals who endorse murder (remember the Cheney shooting?). Time to look at why the cult is running the country, people. That's why you will always see some mouthpiece for the cult on every animal rights issue getting into the mix and advocating killing over rescue -- more and more often they use women mouthpieces, to enforce the notion of gender/political neutrality (and hence to obfuscate the source of the propaganda, which is a coterie of wealthy white males) on these critical and explosive issues.

Bird is the only pecker I haven't had in my mouth yet.

Parakeets are very vivacious, and full of personality. They are companion birds, and enjoy the company of other birds. Im sure there would be enough people who would be willing to foster, and adopt these loving, great birds. They are really enjoyable, and entertaining to have. Also these birds are easy to take care of. GIVE THESE INNOCENT BIRDS A SECOND CHANCE AND DON'T EUTHANIZE THEM!
=]

I SECOND THIS COMMENT POSTED BY ASHLEA EARLIER:

Typical. Couldn't be bothered to ask around for homes for them? There are several bird rescue/sanctuary homes as well as regular people who would take them. Perfect example of lack of ethics or compassion by those morons with the power. Makes me vomit.

I ADD: KILLING, KILLING AND MORE KILLING...IS THIS IS WHAT OUR COUNTRY IS ABOUT? IT SEEMS WE HAVE BEEN DOING THIS SINCE WE GOT HERE OVER 300 YEARS AGO....

I guess what it really boils down to are the bloody birds more important than your power being on-line. Wait untill the power goes out and listen to these very same people yelling at the power company clean up the problem. Apparently these birds like to make nests on the transformers, so they are a problem. Kill the problem and save everyone a lot of money. They are just a darn bird, for Christ sake. Kill'em.

These are Quaker parrots not parakeets. These birds talk and make good pets. Eagles make there nests up on poles too are we going to start killing them too? Where do we draw the line? They sell these birds in the pet store for 200.00 I am sure people would have taken these birds off your hands. Be Humane

It's unfortunate that we have the "kill 'em" solution to alot of our animal problems. I agree that these birds are a problem but have other options even been looke into? All to often in our society anmials (native or otherwise)encroaching on "our" teritory are killed. Here in Coeur d'Alene deer and other animals are being killed because they have invaded gardens. Well, who built a housing tract in their gardens?

Birds are not easy to catch, although they need nesting and protection from the winter weather. If temporary bird boxes were replaced in the area of past or present nests, the parrots will possibly move in and that will give a better chance of catching them.
I have years of experience with parrots, raised Quaker parrots and these birds can talk and make wonderful loving pets. I am interested in adopting a couple.

How a community, state, country, takes care of their vulnerable populations is a direct picture of the status of wellness. Cook, County is not well if they are considering euthanizing birds for conveinience or to save money. Its morally wrong. They need to think of something else; that is what it means to be HUMAN.

well i own 5 of them adorable Quackers along with a bungie and a Scarlet ......lets just say if they go up into the nest of em to kill em then let them die from electric shock themselves trying to murder them cute lil birdys ....sheezzzz takes alot of smarts just to think "well lets just kill em" sheez ppl anoy me but i dont go killing em !!!!

These birds have done absolutely nothing to deserve being killed! Quakers are wonderful birds. And these quakers are only doing what comes naturally.

Hi Dot, My name is Bird.

People need to calm down a little bit. I understand that a lot of you really love these birds. But you need to take a deep breath. For CE that said " Good thing I don't live closer, or I'd be euthanizing some PUD employees!" You need some serious help. Do you actually compare a parrot's life to a human's? To all you posters saying that you would take them. How do you suggest collecting them? You cannot go around power lines and try to catch them in a net. If you touch those power lines by accident you are DEAD. It is sad, but you can't risk the life of a HUMAN to save a little bird.

after these 100 mph winds where do ya suppose those parakeets are now?

Maybe they are pooping on your house Erv ;)

(_8(l) "doh"

BadAndy ... you need to lighten up.