Mystery surrounds string of cockatiel rescues in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania

SPRINGFIELD TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- Multiple cockatiels have been found in and around Springfield Township in recent days, prompting concern from residents and an investigation by the Montgomery County SPCA into where the birds may have come from.

Many of the birds have been found in the same area, and neighbors say some showed signs of feather loss. At least one bird died after being rescued.

One of the rescued birds, a cockatiel named Lemon Drop, was recently adopted by Emily Nagy and her mother, Katie.

However, the bird's origins remain unknown.

"I don't think many of them will survive if they stay out here any longer," Emily Nagy of Glenside said.

Lemon Drop was taken to the Montgomery County SPCA after being found in the Springfield Township area. Other residents have reported similar discoveries.

"My husband found the cockatiel in our driveway Tuesday morning, and it was all hands-on deck. It was really hot that day," said Jillian Rickards of Erdenheim.

Erin Thompson of Maple Glen also cared for a cockatiel before surrendering it to the SPCA.

"We do want the best possible care for these animals," Thompson said.

"I know the bird I had wasn't acting right. I don't know if she was sick or if she was just traumatized," she added.

Gregory Jordan, a Humane Society police officer, said the number of reports is unusual.

"Four cockatiel-type birds have come within the week from four different parties," Jordan said.

Neighbors say a fifth bird died.

Jordan said authorities need more information about the birds to ensure they receive proper care.

"The way the birds appeared with generalized feather loss and being docile, I would imagine that likely they were, at some point, somebody's pets," he said.

For Emily Nagy, the concern extends beyond the birds already found. She and other neighbors worry additional birds may still be outside.

"There could be a whole bunch, and if there are, they would have had to go through the storm last night," she said.

The Montgomery County SPCA is investigating. Animal officers are urging anyone with information about where the birds came from to come forward.