11.   Brock said it would be premature to conclude that the birds died from mercury poisoning, but he said the discovery warrants further study.

12.   But biologists feared that the remaining birds would die if left out.

13.   But environmental groups doubted government reports that the birds died from chromium leaked by nearby tanneries or from a single pesticide.

14.   If traces of poisonous gas appear in the work area the birds will die first.

15.   One bird died after drinking antifreeze, and others died in collisions with power lines.

16.   Only two birds died, and another broke a leg and had to be killed.

17.   Small birds died, plants wilted and dogs and other pets became sick.

18.   The bird died of the disease, Andreadis said.

19.   The bird died before she could take it to a veterinarian, another casualty on that saddest of days.

20.   The next day, the agency announced that birds were dying in New York City, and a West Nile-like virus was the reason.