Bird lovers in Southwest Washington were relieved after the decision to kill parakeets perched on power lines was reversed Wednesday.

Officials said up to 50 of the birds were responsible for building nests on power lines that caused repeated power outages in the Yacolt area. Crews had hoped to capture more of the birds but the rest flew away before they could be caught. Three were euthanized by USDA officials.

But a public outcry by some wildlife groups caused Clark County Public Utility District to halt the decision to kill the birds.

Photo courtesy of JR Heldman

The birds had built nests on power poles along Twin Falls Street, Hubbard Street and E. Yacolt Road and the nests weighed so much - up to 2,500 pounds in some cases. Around 15 homes have lost power due to the birds.

SLIDESHOW: Parakeets nest

To add to the problem, parakeets are “imprinters,” which means they will return to an area even after their nests are destroyed and build new nests. They also breed rapidly.

Zoos will not accept the birds.

Authorities believe the Yacolt parakeets were likely pets that either got loose or were set free and then started breeding.