December 05, 2016
Authorities are investigating what caused the spontaneous deaths of an estimated 200-300 blackbirds in South Jersey around Thanksgiving.
According to NJ.com, the dead red-winged blackbirds were found scattered throughout a rural farming area near Frank Davis Road in Bridgeton on Nov. 22.
A full investigation by the New Jersey agriculture and environmental protection departments and the Cumberland County Health Department is underway. Autopsies have been performed on some of the birds.
Back in the summer of 2012, a similar blackbird die-off was reported in the area; it turned out to be caused by a legally applied pesticide used by farmers.
Authorities report that there is no threat to residents at this time.
Read more at NJ.com.
