Con Edison vs. Parrots in Queens

MYFOXNY.COM - A neighborhood in Queens has seen some nasty electrical fires and power outages over the years, and it's all because of some tropical birds. In the shadow of the Whitestone Bridge, Beechhurst has been home to hundreds of parrots who often nest on Con Ed equipment.

WATCH DICK BRENNAN'S REPORT (VIDEO, LEFT)

The utility has tried to deal with the problem, but it seems like a losing battle. Con Ed says there may be as many as 200 nests around the system, and that they have definitely caused fires and power outages.

Residents say they have a love-hate relationship with the birds. On one hand the parrots are an odd curiousity, but they can be annoying because of their droppings, locals say. And then there's the electrical hazard.

Con Ed even tried a battery-powered owl whose head swivels and emits hoot sounds to scare away the birds, but the verdict is mixed. The parrots got used to the fake owl, according to the New York Post.

Crews have had to replace blown transformers at a cost of tens of thousands, which is only part of the problem since transformer fires are dangerous.

"Con Edison must remove nests from electrical equipment to ensure the safe, reliable delivery of electricity to our customers," the utility said in a statement. "We have attempted to find ways to keep the birds from nesting around our equipment. The company's goal is the safe, reliable delivery of electricity to our customers and to ensure safe working conditions for our employees."