STANWOOD, Wash. (KOMO) — A shocking and sad discovery in one neighborhood: dozens of cockatoos found dead at a nonprofit sanctuary in Washington state.

Investigators said all they found were feathers, in most cases, because their bodies were so badly decomposed.

"It's a sad situation," said Nicole, who lives near the area where the discovery was made last month. "It was very obvious there were birds down there. They were vocal. I mean, they were birds."

"It's just a tragic situation," said Debby Zins, manager for Snohomish County Animal Services.

Neighbors said it's what you can't hear that is especially eerie now.

"Within the last couple of months, we noticed the birds were not as vocal as normal," Nicole said. "We started wondering if something was going on down there."

The property she is referring to is home to the Cockatoo Rescue and Sanctuary. Its former director, a 66-year-old woman, kept to herself, according to neighbors.

One woman said when she and her husband moved in, it was made very apparent to them by other homeowners the owner of the nonprofit was not the most approachable. In fact, no one KOMO News met ever had any issues with her. They typically never saw her.

The sanctuary and its large aviary are tucked behind trees and down a gravel driveway. The entrance has a massive wrought-iron gate wall with a lock on it and "No Trespassing" signs posted nearby. It's not even clear from the road leading to her property it's an aviary.

Neighbors said she did not seem to engage with anyone; although bird owners knew of her and were seen dropping off their birds near the front gate.

"Based on the animals, in house, and the conditions in the house, it would appear she ran into some difficulties," Zins said. "She had a pretty secluded life. Her family wasn't aware of what was going on; her neighbors didn't interact with her and her property wasn't clearly visible or assessable."

Zins said her office discovered what was left of about 50 dead birds, last month – only one was alive and found living inside the owner's home.

"It appears she had been running a successful sanctuary for some time and I think, in her case, it just got somehow overwhelming for her," Zins said.

A Facebook post announced her "unexpected passing" March 19 at Skagit Valley Hospital. She spent 30 years devoted to loving and caring for birds. The county believes all the dead birds are cockatoos, based on the "white feathers" they discovered outside the home.

The initial discovery came after a 911 call from the house. Emergency crews arrived and were concerned about the condition of the home and the property.

Animal Services said they went to the hospital to ask for permission to enter the property to check on the animals inside her home, two birds and two dogs, but said she refused. With a search warrant, Animal Services members recorded images of the interior strewn with debris.

Outside, they saw the decomposed remains.

"Obviously they were shocked and concerned; was mostly feathers that were left based on the discomposure of the birds," Zins said. "It looked like they had been dead for several months at least."

And as the case began, investigators were faced with another tragedy.

"She did pass away within a week," Zins said.

With her death, investigators said there is no reason to further investigate. They have no suspect. All they know for sure: something went terribly wrong and she "ran into some difficulties."

Zins added in some cases, investigators are the last to know, especially with a lack of oversight.

"Because many of these shelters or personal rescues aren't regulated other than complaints that come out of situations," Zins said.

Inside the home, Zins said investigators found one dead cockatoo, that she described as "very thin," along with a second cockatoo and two dogs. The dogs and other cockatoo are said to be in good health and doing well.

In this case, investigators said they may never know exactly why or how the Cockatoo Rescue and Sanctuary came to such a tragic ending.

"We never know. In our own lives, financial and health problems come along; good to have a plan and reach out to people if you need help," Zins said.

She added when surrendering an animal to any rescue, it's good practice to talk to references, always visit the grounds and trust your instinct.

KOMO News reached out to the family's attorney but has not heard back.

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