Enigma Surrounds Bird Deaths in Northern Californian Locale

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced the receipt of two deceased birds from Pacific Gas & Electric Co. for examination following the discovery of multiple birds dead under unclear conditions in a neighborhood within the Bay Area.

Unexpected Findings in Richmond

Resident Max Bolling, who resides in the Richmond area where these occurrences took place, reported that over a weekend in February, he and his sibling stumbled upon five lifeless birds beneath power lines. Since then, Max has observed around 20 more dead birds.

"Reflecting on it, we've probably seen close to 50 fallen birds between us and the surrounding residents, spanning from this utility pole to another," Max detailed.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife identified one of the analyzed birds as a European Starling and the other as a Mourning Dove.

Theories and Investigations

Beyond the specimens evaluated by PG&E, photographs sent to Fish and Wildlife imply other birds displayed signs of physical trauma. Officials suggest that this trauma could result from pellet guns, BB guns, or even slingshots.

Despite PG&E's involvement in collecting the bird carcasses, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife stated the examined birds bore no indications of electrocution. Nevertheless, local residents suspect electrocution might still play a role.

Jeremy Hoehner Haele shared, "My father has observed more incidents than I have. He's noticed instances where birds seem to be charred on the wires, which he's seen happen a couple of times."

Official Stance and Community Concerns

In a statement issued to CBS News Bay Area, PG&E expressed their awareness regarding the community's worry over this pattern of avian deaths: "We understand the Richmond community's concerns about the recent bird fatalities. We collaborated with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife to scrutinize two bird remains, which showed none of the electrocution signs, pointing instead to trauma, likely from a pellet, BB gun, or slingshot. PG&E asserts that our electrical systems are not at fault here. Residents have urged an inquiry by the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office. The contested pole adheres to avian protection standards by the Avian Powerline Interaction Committee."

Fish and Wildlife officials continue probing the origins of these bird deaths within the Richmond area.