Ocean Beach city leaders are offering hundreds of dollars to find whoever is killing local wild parrots.
The Ocean Beach Town Council unanimously approved adding $500 to the reward for the conviction of those responsible for killing at least five parrots in just the last few weeks.
Jamul-based SoCal Parrot, a wild parrot conservation group, said the birds are part of endangered species that include Lilac Crowned Amazons and Red Masked Conures. They estimate more than 1,500 parrots call San Diego home.
The trees and climate here have made OB a nesting community but has also exposed the birds to those who would do them harm.
SoCal Parrot says in a two week period at the end of March, 7 parrots were found dead. Five of those were killed by BB's and pellets fired from air guns.
“It could be because the parrots are colorful or loud,” said OB resident Susan Winkie.
“I think it's personally a sport,” she added. “Like an immature act.”
Local
The parrot rehab group presented its findings to the OB Town Council Wednesday night. Members of the organization brought along some rescues so those at the meeting could experience the nature of the birds.
SoCal parrot says wildlife rehab organizations and animal services lack the resources to give proper care to these orphaned fowl.
There are no flight enclosures or jungle for them to live. They are released to an urban environment and are at the mercy of the elements including humans that might do them harm.
The group is working to create a city ordinance that would protect the birds.
“We're at a point where we are going to have to come together as a community and say it is not ok to harm wildlife in general but especially parrots in this really localized area,” SoCal Parrot Director Brooke Durham said.
There is a $6500 reward for information leading to the arrest of whoever is responsible in the shootings.
Anybody with information can contact San Diego Police at (619) 692-4800.
The parrot shootings are considered a federal offense and could be punished with jail time and a $20,000 fine.
