WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: Wandering guinea fowl (no, they’re not turkeys) seen near bridge
(Reader photo sent Monday by Lara)
Every day we’re continuing to get reports about the pair of birds we’ve dubbed the wandering guinea fowl of West Seattle, including people who haven’t seen our previous stories and/or who mistake them for turkeys. So we’ve been meaning to mention them again, and today’s the day, because we received a call from someone who saw them near the bridge entrance at 35th/Fauntleroy and was worried the birds were in danger of wandering into traffic. That, they’ve done, in other parts of The Triangle and The Junction, so the concern is not necessarily unmerited. In short, we first mentioned them last year; they have a home northeast of The Junction but they are allowed to roam, and seem to do so avidly. Because of that, the Seattle Animal Shelter told us last month, they’ve attempted to capture the guinea fowl, but haven’t had any luck with that. So what would happen if they did capture these birds? SAS spokesperson Melissa Mixon told us, “If they were in our custody, they would go on a stray hold. If no one reclaimed them, they could be placed for adoption.”
Or someone could capture them to “keep them safe”. Like they did with the turkey. I know who you are.
Maybe this article will educate those who make FB postings about “What kind of birds are these” ad nauseum…
I see them every day on 40th to 42nd. I try to get them out of the street if they go into the street. I have been taking pictures of them when I see them.
They are owned by a family that recently moved here, i live on their street. pretty cool addition to the wildlife.
Not wild, not native, but teeming with all sorts of life I’m sure. I hope they are inoculated against avian flu. Ha, just kidding, I’m sure they aren’t but what’s the worst that could happen?
Can you please tell that “recently moved here” family that this is not the country and they need to get their birds off the streets. And, yes, they’ve made it everyone’s business. Sounds like they don’t care. It never ends well for animals vs cars.
LOL! Per the SAS… if no one claims them they’d be put up for adoption. And so then they’d be on the loose again just in a new neighborhood, because they are incorrigible!!!
They look like Hawaiian NeNe
Saw them across from Holy Rosary on south side of Genesse around 445
I saw them in front of the church across from the West Seattle Bowl. They seemed to be peering into the windows of the church. Perhaps they were looking for information about Noah’s Ark? 😄Instead, they ran across the street along side the church. They seemed to have some street savvy.
They are cute and charming but drivers and cyclists have enough to navigate without these birds crossing Fauntleroy and Oregon St.
This is the best 😝
Love the sign. You should make it and stick it on 40th and Oregon.
They are the best tick and bug eaters, they are also great watch dogs as they will make noise at strange things that enter what they have determined to be their home area.
Just spotted the pair on 44th and Dakota. about 1:15 pm. Walked right into the road. Thank goodness I spotted them in time and was going slow.
Saw them near Catholic church on 42nd yesterday