Protected nestling birds injured near elementary school
An incident involving a bird’s nest could mean trouble for a local school district. The SPCA for Monterey County recieved seven nestling Cliff Swallows this morning. They had allegedly been knocked from a tree at Toro Park Elementary. Cliff Swallows are a federally protected bird, meaning killing, abusing, or harassing the birds or their nests is against the law.
According to the good Samaritan who brought the birds in, the nest was knocked down by an employee of the school district. One of the seven birds had to be euthanized.
“It’s touch and go with the 6 remaining. We’re doing everything we can for them. They’re in an incubator right now, but we just won’t know if they’ll make it,” said Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach with the SPCA for Monterey County.
We spoke with Washington Union School District Superintendent Kevin Vaughn, who told us they are aware of the incident and are very sorry. He said he spoke with the employee and while he couldn’t comment if any discipline will be taken, the district will fully cooperate with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which will be investigating the case.
