At least 20 birds rescued, 4 killed after tree snaps in Oakland

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- It was a frightening scene for bird lovers in downtown Oakland on Monday. A large tree, home to nesting Blue Heron and Snowy Egrets, snapped in two around 10 a.m. at the corner of 14th and Alice streets.

The tree reportedly had dry rot.

Volunteers from the Audubon Society and the Oakland Zoo responded in minutes to help rescue some 20 birds and their babies.

"We have Oakland Public Works doing an amazing job, just patiently going through, branch by branch, just cutting very carefully to not injure any of the animals as we're rescuing them," Oakland Animal Services' Denise Bongiovanni said.

At least four birds were killed, three of them nestlings.

The injured birds were taken to the International Bird Rescue where they'll be nursed back to health.