Officials at the Bucks County Audubon Society voiced frustration and bewilderment Wednesday over what investigators say was the deliberate poisoning of birds in Warminster.
“It’s horrifying,” said Diane Smith, the society’s director of education and bird walk leader. “I can’t fathom what the motivation could possibly be to do such a thing.”
On Saturday, the Warminster Police and Warminster Animal Control Officer were notified of numerous dead birds around feeding stations located by the old Naval Air Development Center tower in Warminster Community Park along Bristol Road.
The ACO advised that it appears that the feeding stations contained a poison to kill the birds, most likely placed in the early morning hours of Saturday.
“Birds are already in trouble,” Smith said, noting their numbers are dropping almost across the board. “We’re losing birds by the millions. We should be doing anything we can to bolster their habitats.”
Birds, she added, play a key role in the ecosystem.
“The number of insects they eat is phenomenal,” Smith said.
Not only that, but the suspected poison, authorities said, is dangerous to both humans and animals, such as ones that might eat an infected bird.
The public is warned not to handle similar feeders or bait and to contact Warminster Police using 911 to ensure proper removal.
Warminster Police, Warminster Animal Control and Pennsylvania SPCA are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact authorities at 215-672-1000 or via the Warminster Police CrimeWatch page.
“We’re vexed,” said Audubon Society Executive Director Michael Celec. “Same as the police seem to be. We’re at a loss to explain this.”
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
