Four birds found dead in Westdene garden

The sight of three dead Rameron pigeons lying in Louise Genfell’s garden was an alarming scene for her to wake to on June 30.

The incident really piqued the Westdene resident’s concerns as it was only Saturday (June 28) that she buried a bird of the same breed, having found it dead then too. Features that make this type of bird distinct are its bright yellow eye-ring, legs, and beak.

Living in the area since 1985, this was the first time she had experienced such a phenomenon in her backyard in all these years, let alone in three days, and because of it, Genfell’s head is riddled with questions as to why this occurrence may have taken place.

Also read: A fisherman’s tale on the deteriorating state of the Westdene Dam

Could it be due to the huge pepper tree in her garden? Could it be the work of contaminated waters in and around the community? Will this affect other birds in the area? She did rule out the tree being at the helm of the issue, given that it is home to an array of species that are thriving.

Speaking to the Randburg SPCA’s inspector, Bongani Khumalo, he said this was the first they had heard of this species of bird being affected in such a way. Saying they wouldn’t rule out such deaths occurring again in the residence, “These deaths could be caused by electric shocks, or food that they would have eaten,” he explained. Khumalo also does not think that this would be due to contaminated water, as otherwise, a lot more birds would have succumbed to the same fate. Regardless, until they establish the circumstances that led to these sudden deaths, they will be a concern for them.

Should any resident be faced with similar incidents, the SPCA advises that you take the dead animal to the vet for an autopsy, as this would help the region or province.

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