Dead crows found in Portland; poisoning suspected

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Audubon Society of Portland says at least 10 crows have died in a suspected poisoning.

The group said in a statement Wednesday that witnesses a day earlier saw birds “falling from the sky” in northeast Portland as a large flock traveled west toward downtown. Another dead crow was found near Portland State University.

Portland Audubon says the deaths are consistent with exposure to toxic substances, but testing must be done to confirm it. The birds had appeared to be an otherwise good physical condition.

Thousands of crows swirl through Portland skies on winter afternoons. A cacophony breaks out as the birds settle into trees in and near downtown. Sidewalks are often coated with bird droppings, as are vehicles parked under the wrong branch.