Richmond , a small porthole metropolis in California ’s Bay Area , is presently at the snapper of a gonzo phenomenon that ’s regulate both residents and official alike : an unexplained spate of detonate razzing .

First describe byABC7 News , occupier told the outlet that they first point out Bronx cheer turning up deadseveral monthsago , and have since witnessed them appearing to “ blow up ” in mid - strain . According to those residents , over 50 birds in the region have died in this way , with one incident being captured by security camera .

The contents of that footage and the hold area in which the birds have been find has lead some to reflect that the deaths have something to do with a peculiar stint of the neighborhood ’s powerlines ; it show a bird set ashore on one , followed by a trashy pop and the bird fall down .

Mark Hoehner , a Richmond resident , was witness to a similar incident . " It sounded like a banger , and a black razzing - a starling - just plump to the land , " Hoehner tell apart ABC7 . " I ’ve been under the boo when it happens , and I make out where the auditory sensation is coming from . It ’s coming from up on the pole . "

reputation were filed with the local police , who request that PG&E , the company responsible for the powerlines , conduct an inspection . However , PG&E has posit that it “ does not believe that there was an issue with our electric equipment , ” and that “ the perch at issue is compliant with avian safe standard . ”

The party also mentioned that it had been in contact with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife ( CDFW ) , require it to try “ several ” of the dead birds . The CDFW has since release its own instruction to ABC7 , noting that it had only get two birds to evaluate – but also reaching the close that burning did n’t appear to be at play .

“ CDFW ’s Wildlife Health Lab staff find no signs of electrocution in the collect birds , ” understand the statement . “ The birds did show injuries consistent with trauma that could possibly have been due to [ a ] pellet gun , BB gas , or a slingshot . CDFW also received photos of other dead birds recover at the location that showed injuries consistent with trauma . ”

While the “ papa ” auditory sensation that several residents have heard could be attributed to something like a BB shot gun going off , thismysteryis far from solved . “ The precise suit of the trauma to all of these birds could not be determined , ” said the CDFW . “ CDFW wildlife ship’s officer are investigate . "

One matter is for sure , though – it ’s not because the birds have beeneating rice .