This sounds like comms because the birds died in August. How would they die from harsh winter conditions?
Harsh weather conditions, lack of food reason for songbird deaths
ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (KRQE) – Researchers say starvation and unexpected weather are to blame for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of songbirds in New Mexico.
Ecologists say it started in late August when a large number of birds were found dead at the White Sands Missile Range. Within the next month, hundreds of thousands of dead birds were found across the state.
Wildlife biologists concerned over unexplained Songbird mortality
A study by the U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center found all the birds were emaciated and an unusual winter storm exacerbated conditions.
https://www.krqe.com/news/new-mexico/harsh-weather-conditions-lack-of-food-reason-for-songbird-deaths/