Frequently asked questions about reliable electric service and Monk Parakeets in Yacolt

(Courtesy of Clark Co. Public Utilities District)

Q: Why are the nests and birds being removed from power poles in Yacolt?

A: The nests threaten electric service reliability in Yacolt, and if left alone could spread to other areas of Clark County. The birds are known to multiply rapidly (they can double in number every two-to-five years). Four years ago there were two birds and no nests in Yacolt. About two years ago there were two nests. Utility crews removed the nests, and hoped the birds would move on. They didn’t. Today, there are five nests and an estimated 30-50 birds. Clark Public Utilities has researched this issue for more than two years and come to the difficult conclusion that the only responsible solution is the removal of the nests and the birds.

Q: Why aren’t the nests just relocated?

A: Relocation has been attempted in Yacolt and in other areas and has been unsuccessful. The birds are believed to be “imprinters,” that is if they are reared on a pole with a transformer they will have a very strong desire to always live on a pole with a transformer. If the nest is removed, they come back and build a new nest on the same equipment or they will spread to other poles with transformers but not likely to move to a tree or other structure.

Q: Who is removing them?

A: Clark Public Utilities has contracted with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services, which specializes in removal of non-native species. Private electrical contractors will assist the USDA.

Q: How are they being removed?

A: After dark when the birds have returned to the nests, the transformers will be turned off. Doing so causes the birds to leave the nests and when they do so, they will be captured in nets. The nests will be removed and the birds will be moved to another location and euthanized using protocols approved by the U.S. Society of Veterinarians. Birds not caught in the nets will be taken using other means.

Q: When will this happen?

A: We hope to remove the nests and birds within the next few weeks before cold weather sets in. There shouldn’t be any eggs or young birds in the nests this time of year.

Q: How large can a Monk Parakeet nest get?

A: Reports from other parts of the United States indicate the nests can be a large as a small car, weighing up to 2,400 pounds and house as many as 40 birds. This weight presents a serious threat to the electric system, as well as to the health and safety of people on the ground and utility workers who must work on the equipment.

Q: What are the dangers of these nests?

A: These birds have a tendency to build huge nests around electrical equipment. It’s believed they like the warmth of electrical transformers, particularly in this area. As the nests get larger, they can completely surround the electrical equipment, causing short circuits that result in power outages, and in some cases, fires. The added weight also poses a jeopardy. Replacing equipment and restoring power can cost thousands of dollars from a single outage. Parakeet feces may also contain diseases know to cause problems for people.

Q: Why are the birds being removed too?

A: The birds are being removed as well as the nests, because they will simply return and build a new nest in the same location. These birds have a life span of 15-30 years, and they multiply rapidly. Each pair of birds can produce 5-12 eggs annually that hatch in about 24-30 days. In Florida, where there has been a serious monk parakeet problem for several years, it’s expected the population of these birds could increase by 1,400 percent in the next 10 years.

Q: Are Monk Parakeets native to the area?

A: No. They are native to South America. They were introduced to North America in the 1960s when they were imported for the pet trade.

Q: How did these birds get here?

A: They were most likely either intentionally or accidentally released by someone who had them as pets.

Q: Why are the nests removed at night?

A: The birds leave the nests during the day, and return in the evening. By waiting until late at night we have the best chance of capturing the largest number of birds. This is also likely to be the least disruptive for our customers.

Q: Are there eggs in the nests?

A: No. We have selected this time of year for removal of the nests and birds because no eggs are present.

Q: Will zoos take them?

A: No. We have contacted zoos in Washington and Oregon and they have no interest in the birds.

Q: Are Monk Parakeets in a protected class?

A: State and federal laws do not protect these birds. While it is legal to own them as pets, there are no regulations governing capture and removal of the birds or the nests. Laws do require them to be handled humanely, which will be done.

Q: Have other utilities experienced this problem?

A: Yes. The problem has been most severe in southern Florida where Florida Power & Light has wrestled with the issue for years. In 2001, the company says a conservative estimate is that power outages caused by the parakeets and their nests amounted to $585,000, and a conservative cost to remove all of the nests -- then numbering about 1,100 -- was $1.6 million.