Man and pet bird stuck in tree rescued by Southern California firefighters

Firefighters in Orange County came to the rescue when a man who was chasing his family’s pet bird high up in a tree became stuck in the tree himself Wednesday night, officials confirmed to KTLA.  

Crews with the Orange County Fire Authority responded to an area near Buena Park City Hall on reports of “an individual stuck in a tree” at around 8:44 p.m., Battalion Chief Erik Miranda said.  

The bird’s owner, a woman identified only as Sophia, said that while they were walking to her in-law’s home, she had her pet cockatiel on her shoulder and when she dropped something, the bird got startled and flew up into the tree.  

“[My brother] decided it was a good idea to climb the tree to try and grab him, but he got stuck,” Sophia explained. “So, we had to call the fire department to see if they could help us.”  

Arriving crews found the man and the bird about 20-30 feet up in the tree. Utilizing a large ladder truck, they rescued the man and then worked to get the bird to safety as well.  

Sophia said the bird, which she’s owned for about six months, rarely flies and prefers to walk around.  

“He just got scared,” she said, clearly happy to have her pet back unharmed.  

Battalion Chief Miranda said there were no injuries to either humans or birds during the rescue.  

“Just a feel-good call where we’re able to come in, there’s a lot of good intentions and someone got stuck,” he said. “Luckily and gladly, we were to get the individual out, as well as their pet. The bird is doing great.”