Mite, parasite, disease?

[cwhite]

This season I have noticed a serious decline in the number of birds in my area.  Coffee shop chit chat confirmed my findings with a bunch of guys talking about the significantly lower bird numbers.  A few different farmers have mentioned finding dead birds in fields.  One guy said he has found nine dead turkeys since march.  He claims to have contacted DEC and they claim there is some type of mite, parasite, or disease that is killing birds by the flock.  Has anyone else heard this?  I've been blaming the poor numbers on all the fat coyotes and the long harsh winter.

[bkln]

I'm in Dutchess/Putnam area we actually see more birds this year.....no dead birds I saw (well except that one that met me:-))

[growalot]

Knocking on wood ...I say are turkeys are great this year...but I've seen way fewer crows...and have no complaints about that!

[cwhite]

I hunt about as far north in NY state as you can get, Franklin County.  It seems that we are down in some areas and other areas are right on par with previous seasons.  The areas that are down correspond with the dead birds.