That's a very good question, Dave. I suspect that someone should check into the documented ingredients of the powders used during the event. Toxicology reports could then be obtained for each ingredient pertaining to their potential contact with and effect upon wild birds. I would think the next step should be to capture one or more of the exposed birds in order to confirm that the pigments impregnated into their feathers and skin are in fact the same substances released during the event.
He wanted to live. He was my Heaven... He's gone!