Feeders Linked to Songbird Deaths, Experts Urge Cleaning or Removal On 3/13/21 at 9:43 AM EST A spate of recent deaths among certain species of finch in parts of the U.S. has been linked to bird feeders and baths, with experts advising either regular cleaning of the garden equipment or outright removal. The deaths, which have been widely noticed by ordinary Americans finding dead birds on their property, are due to salmonellosis. This is an infection caused by exposure to salmonella bacteria, which avian experts say has been exacerbated by birds crowding at domestic bird feeders and birdbaths. Recent harsh winter weather in Texas may have led to more hungry migratory searching for food elsewhere.