If you haven't heard about this 'recent' mystery of birds dying off, black bird or otherwise, check out Google. Here's an example - http://www.google.com/search?q=million+dead+blackbirds&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

t’s absolutely shocking news: The U.S. Department of Agriculture has publicly admitted it is responsible for the mass poisoning of tens of millions of birds over the last several years. It’s all part of the USDA’s program called “Bye Bye Blackbird,” and we even have the USDA’s spreadsheet where they document how many millions of birds (and other animals) they’ve poisoned to death.

Definitely read on at the link below

http://www.earth-issues.com/2011/12/mystery-bye-bye-blackbird-solved-usda-has-admitted-to-poisoning-millions-of-animals/

Not sure exactly why it's the USDA doing it or if it was justifiable in this case, but population control can be necessary.

Like when the planet becomes overpopulated with humans? Soylent Green is people!

^No comment on that. Doubt my views would go well here.

So why was the USDA poisoning birds in the first place? A Nebraska farmer was apparently complaining that the starlings were defecating in his feed meal. The answer to this conundrum apparently isn’t to cover your feed meal but rather call the USDA and ask them to poison thousands of birds.

I see no problem with taking out the blackbirds. It's not like they are dogs or an endangered species. The USDA should have come out and said they were responsible for it from the start. Things can only be covered up for so long before they come out and of course the media is going to have a field day with this. I'm sure PETA will have a say as well.

So why was the USDA poisoning birds in the first place? A Nebraska farmer was apparently complaining that the starlings were defecating in his feed meal. The answer to this conundrum apparently isn’t to cover your feed meal but rather call the USDA and ask them to poison thousands of birds.

This made me laugh, really hard, lol. That's an incredibly stupid reason. And, I agree Siren, not admitting to it sooner was the absoulute worst thing they could have done

Hmm.. All species play a role in the ecosystem, so wiping out one would create ripples or freaking tidal waves all the way up and down the food chain. So yea... animal genocide is acceptable even though we do not know the consequences?