This became all too real for Yenda resident Maree Matthews after one of the magpies died after what she believes was an electric shock from the surrounding power lines.

This is not the first time it has happened Mrs Matthews estimates in the last five years she has seen one a month fall in the same location.

“I would estimate I have seen about 60 native dead birds under the poll,” she said.

“We have been feeding a family of magpies for the last few months and now one of them is dead.”

The death had left Mrs Matthews quite upset as she has set up her home like a bird sanctuary where she feeds many different birds from honeyeaters to magpies and has become very attached to the family which this particular magpie comes from.

“This experience has had quite an impact on me,” she said.

“I use to walk my dog around the area, but now it is almost too much for me to walk past the poll.

“It has affected me quite a bit physiologically.”

The effect of the bird's death has already been seen with none of its offspring coming to visit Mrs Matthews.

“That is very usually for them not to come around,” she said.

“They would have normally come to visit for food today, but it has been very quiet.” 

Given the impact this has had on Mrs Matthews, she has raised her concerns to Griffith City Council.

These concerns have been passed on to Essential Energy however at this time they were unaware of any issue being caused by the power lines located in the park with the incidents being investigated.

Mrs Matthews one request is for something to be done to fix the issue if it is possible given the location of the lines believed to be killing the birds because she doesn’t want any kids to have to go through what she is currently dealing with.

“It’s located in a park which is regularly used by children,” she said.

“I don’t want any of the kids to become traumatised by seeing a bird die in front of them while they are playing.”