Dozens of birds found dead in downtown Tulsa

By Rick Maranon

TULSA, Okla. — 

Quick facts:

Over 200 birds were found dead at 9th and Elgin in downtown Tulsa today.

The purple martins are a rare species protected by state and federal law.

The game warden says that he is looking into whether someone criminally poisoned the birds, because thousands of them nest in trees nearby, but there is also the possibility that last night's rain knocked them out of the trees and was too much for them to bear, causing them to essentially drown on the sidewalk during a downpour.

TU researchers have taken most of the birds away for analysis because it is a rare species.

Dozens of birds were left dead on downtown Tulsa sidewalks due to what is being called a "rare weather phenomenon".

Many of the birds at 9th and Detroit were cleaned up by Wednesday evening. Those who work in the area said they felt like they walked into a horror movie.

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VIDEO: Flyover fail as bald eagle crashes into window inside Oklahoma school, falls to ground

The big bird, named Lewis, survived the failed flyover inside the chapel of Oral Roberts University in Tulsa last week. The eagle was supposed to land on the arm of its trainer, Roger Wallace

That’s why the call ‘em bird-brained.

A bald eagle released in a packed auditorium at an Oklahoma university tried to take a detour out of the room, but came to an abrupt stop when it slammed into a window and dropped to the ground.

The big bird, named Lewis, survived the failed flyover that caused a sudden uproar from hundreds of students inside the chapel of Oral Roberts University in Tulsa last week.

The eagle was one of two birds brought to the Christian school to celebrate Golden Eagle Day on Aug. 21, officials said.

“U-S-A! U-S-A!” the students chanted as the bald eagle swirled around the room.

But after one lap, the cheers turned into a gasps of horror as the bird — which was supposed to land on the arm of its trainer, Roger Wallace — soared straight for a window and smacked into the glass.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/video-flyover-fail-bald-eagle-crashes-window-oklahoma-school-falls-ground-article-1.1439452#ixzz2dY8shyuk

Recordings of birds at airport loud, annoying but effective

TULSA, Okla. —
Visitors to Tulsa International Airport can't help but notice the loud, incessant and unceasing bird sounds playing outside the terminal.

Some wonder just what they are, and Alexis Higgins with the Tulsa Airport Authority says they regularly get questions about them.

"We'll see on Facebook or Twitter where people have commented regarding the bird noises. Some people think it sounds like a monkey."

Higgins says they're recordings of bird distress calls, and if played at high enough volume they prevent other birds from nesting in the area.

"We've tried turning it down a little bit, because it is annoying. But it's not as effective once the volume is decreased," she says.

The airport obtained the recordings and began using them several years ago, shortly after canopies were built outside the terminal and over some parking areas.

"We don't want birds leaving their droppings all over vehicles and people," Higgins told KRMG.

She added, "the maintenance of having to clean up after birds is quite costly, and its honestly pretty disgusting."

The Airport Authority remains open to any other suggestions that might get the job done without subjecting customers to the noisy squawking.

Log on to our Facebook page or through Twitter and tag us," Higgins said. "We'll definitely explore all options."

http://www.krmg.com/news/news/local/recordings-birds-airport-loud-annoying-effective/nSMgy/