In mid September 2020 the biggest cold snap in the history of the western united states occurred in southwest Colorado. Just a few weeks earlier raging wildfires in California and Oregon forced the early migration of thousands of songbirds. Stressed from early migration, underfed and experiencing the sudden cold, thousands of birds died and many many more panicked.
Increasing pressures from climate change like wildfires, droughts and extreme storms are causing birds and other animals to migrate suddenly and without proper preparation. The Audubon Society of America recommends providing food, water and shelter for migrating birds. You can look up food appropriate for birds in your area in the resource listed below. Stressed birds will take risks and behave oddly making them more prone to being killed by house cats. To help give birds a heads up you can fit your cat with a colorful collar that make them more visible.
There are many factors that have led to the severity of wildfires, but the fires we see happening today are the result of longer, hotter droughts caused by climate change. Climate change doesn't just mean warmer temperatures; it is warmer temperatures and the weirding of the whole global climate system. The Colorado cold snap was linked to a climate change disruption, irregular oscillations in the jet stream.
Resources:
Find Appropriate Feed for Birds in Your Area
Birds are Dying in Dramatic Numbers In Southwest Colorado
The Jet Stream is Bringing Fire Weather to the West