WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: Guinea fowl pair still roaming, mistaken for turkeys

Ten months after we first mentioned West Seattle’s roaming guinea fowl – when there were at least four of them – this pair is still drawing attention. The photo is from Robert Livingston at HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, which got a visit from the guinea fowl about a week and a half ago. We’re writing about them again today because we’re still getting relatively frequent reports, often from people who think they’re turkeys – such as the reader who emailed us after seeing them near 39th/Oregon about an hour ago. They’re still most often seen on the east/northeast side of The Junction. As we’ve noted before, they do apparently have a home. Fun fact from this infopage: They can be “an effective means of pest control.”

waikikigirl July 3, 2024 (7:00 pm)

I just noticed one has black “feet” and the other has pink. ??? Very good info sheet you attached too!

Anon July 3, 2024 (7:27 pm)

Can you obscure exact details on the whereabouts of wildlife please? People are maliciously setting out poisoned food or hunting these animals. Reports that pinpoint exact locations like the previous coyote post don’t help.

Nona July 3, 2024 (9:19 pm)

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Here here! These introduced species will live happy, wonderful, fairy tale.lives if only we protect their whereabouts from Elmer Fudd. C’mon Gramma!
- Karen B July 3, 2024 (10:53 pm)
  
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  Who you calling “Gramma” and what’s with the Elmer Fudd reference? Got ageism much? Can’t stay on topic?
Jethro Marx July 3, 2024 (9:31 pm)

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I wish someone had been there to issue a similar warning when the first Norway rat mischief started wandering around America. Just think, the species may have survived even to this day!
937 July 4, 2024 (12:10 am)

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“Hunting” lol. I think someone has forgotten their ancient ancestry.

These birds are less difficult to “hunt” than a 2 piece from your local deli.
- Rick July 4, 2024 (7:38 am)
  
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  But do they taste like chicken?
  - Mm Mm Good July 4, 2024 (5:24 pm)
    
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    They’re actually a bit richer, sort of halfway to duck but without the unctuous funkiness. Everyone please remember to obey all local ordinances – no firearms or bows! I’m still working on a viable ACME net launcher anvil dropper combo..
Reed July 4, 2024 (7:57 am)

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These birds are absolute idiots and have no sense of fear. I’m surprised they haven’t be hit by a car or killed by a dog, cats, raccoons or coyotes yet.

Chris July 3, 2024 (7:44 pm)

They were crossing California Ave S W toward the Alair Gift Shop location about 3:00 pm today. Drivers were thankfully being careful and they got across and heading east.

Pro Bird July 3, 2024 (7:58 pm)

Good luck and keep going guinea fowl, too many (bleeping) “outdoor” cats in this neighborhood/world! As for NATURAL predators, is what it is and I can deal.

937 July 3, 2024 (8:11 pm)

Seriously??

Have people really not figured this out yet?

Wsgal July 3, 2024 (10:02 pm)

These two get around, happy to see they’re seemingly thriving. I see em just about every day, or hear them (their call is quite distinct, and loud).

g July 3, 2024 (10:04 pm)

I love the pics so fun

PSPS July 3, 2024 (11:29 pm)

I was out very early this morning and, like many days, they were in the street outside their owner’s house. I drove by really slow and they eventually scooted back onto the parking strip. I always keep a keen eye out for them.

anonyme July 4, 2024 (5:28 am)

No pet should be allowed to freely roam the either other people’s property, or public spaces. That includes both cats – and guinea fowl. “Pest control” = food for wild birds that already have enough challenges as it is.

Mike July 4, 2024 (6:58 am)

Can we get a comment from the birds, please?

Rick July 4, 2024 (10:31 am)

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Cluck,cluck,screech, squaaaaaaaawwwwwk!

Andrew July 4, 2024 (7:18 am)

I’ve spotted them near Trader Joes a couple times. They are cool, and I’m happy we have them in our W. Seattle colony.

Sarah July 4, 2024 (7:30 am)

We raise them. Excellent tick eaters. They free range during the day time and they go into the chicken coup at night. They will not go into a dark building so we leave a light on until dark. They have been trained to do this. We currently have 18 and mommas are nesting on eggs. They will protect their eggs till death but have no use for their babies. You can eat their eggs. They are delicious.

waikikigirl July 4, 2024 (10:19 am)

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Hi Sarah, Are you the owner of these wayward fowl or are you speaking from knowledge from your own? If not yours, maybe see if the owner will relinquish these 2 to you, or maybe not… these 2 have been free roamers for too long. 😉To anyone else read the fun fact info that the WSB attached it is very highlighting!
To ChrisK…no 😞
anonyme July 4, 2024 (12:30 pm)

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If you are within Seattle city limits, you are breaking the law. The limit for domestic fowl is eight.

Buttercup July 4, 2024 (7:32 am)

Does someone actually own them? I thought they were free spirits living in beautiful West Seattle. Wonderful seeing their presence all over. XP it always amazed me that the turkey that wandered around for a long time was never scooped up by a homeless person and prepared for a meal. I wonder if it’s still in Burien?

ChrisK July 4, 2024 (8:00 am)

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/roast-guinea-fowl-chestnut-sage-lemon-stuffing

Lola July 4, 2024 (9:11 am)

I love these Guniea Fowl. Love seeing them roaming around on my way to work. They are not hurting anybody they just go about their business.

LO July 4, 2024 (9:52 am)

Spotted a solo one on Fauntleroy and SW Dawson on June 25

Admiral July 4, 2024 (11:14 am)

I miss the West Seattle Turkey. I used to enjoy watching it run around Hiawatha Park with the squirrels.

Bebop July 4, 2024 (12:12 pm)

I just saw one by 36th and Raymond went to take a picture cause I didn’t know what the heck it was.

sgs July 4, 2024 (8:37 pm)

Anyone who allows their domesticated animals to roam on busy streets like Oregon and California doesn’t care about them. Surely you must have a yard they can free range in. If you are the owner and claim you do care about them, please explain the rationale of letting them roam in the streets. They are oblivious to cars.

CD July 6, 2024 (3:26 pm)

both birds were at LA fitness 3900 SW Alaska St, Seattle, WA 98116 at 2:30pm today 7/6/2024

Lori July 9, 2024 (2:08 pm)

Saw them yesterday by trader Joe’s since it’s been months would I be free to trap them and take them to my property? We have chickens and a fenced in area with ducks. I’ve been worried since the other two died.