[edited after issue resolved]

While I’m here, I ought to give you the latest on the Beebe, Arkansas bird deaths.Audubon Magazine is reporting that the recent incidents of large-scale bird deaths have very benign explanations. In the case of the New Year’s bird deaths in Arkansas, fireworks seem to be the most likely suspects.

Beebe residents aren’t likely to see a repeat of the freak event on the Fourth of July, the only other day the city allows fireworks. Blackbirds will be spread out on their individual nests then, instead of congregating in their winter roost.

It appears that similarly mysterious bird deaths in Louisiana around the same time are unrelated. “Initial findings indicate that these are isolated incidents that were probably caused by disturbance and disorientation,” says Greg Butcher, Audubon’s director of bird conservation.

The birds—red-winged blackbirds, common grackles, brown-headed cowbirds and European starlings—are abundant species that flock together in large nighttime roosts during the winter months. Roosts can contain from tens of thousands to 20 million individuals or more.

More as these stories evolve, because they’re interesting. Just not the end of the world. Probably.