Large blackbird kill put down to traffic

ATHENS, Ala., Jan. 13 (UPI) -- A massive bird kill of blackbirds has been discovered along an interstate highway in Alabama, and wildlife officials say they suspect traffic was the cause.

Around 300 blackbirds were found alongside Interstate 65 just south of Athens, Ala., Wednesday morning, WHNT-TV, Huntsville, Ala., reported.

A wildlife biologist at the scene said it was likely the birds were killed by traffic.

"What it appears to us right now is that the birds were feeding alongside the road," Mitchell Marks said. "The flock flushed, flew out into a vehicle and we've got this kill here along the road."

All of the dead birds had clear signs of trauma, but Marks collected a few for further examination, WHNT reported.