Intense thunderstorm kills over 1,000 birds in Missouri
Residents say that they could hear the birds hitting the ground when they were inside their homes
Over 1,000 birds were found dead near Sikeston, Missouri and officials say that the bad weather is to blame.
Red-winged blackbirds, brown-headed cowbirds, grackles and European starlings were found after a thunderstorm rolled through the area on March 1.
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A statement from Scott County Conservation Agent Andrew Mothershead says that the storm occurred near a roosting habitat for these species and many travel together in large flocks, which is why such a high number of birds were killed.
“While rare, birds can fall victim to volatile weather conditions, which is likely the cause of this incident,” Mothershead explained.
Local residents reported hearing the birds hit the ground outside of their homes and say that they have not seen anything like this before.
Conservation officials say that an assessment of the birds showed that many had wing injuries, which means they had difficulty flying through the powerful wind gusts, lightning and hail.
Officials say that there is no public health concern and say that the city will help clean up the dead birds that have fallen on the streets.