It had obviously died during a thaw and then literally froze into the earth. Remember that we are dust and to dust we shall return. A vital part of Ash Wednesday is personal reflection and prayer to confess sin in our lives. As I reflect on the frozen bird, I realize that sin can literally freeze our hearts towards God. We can be frozen in our spirits because of unconfessed sin in our lives.
Spiritual renewal begins with confession.
None of us are perfect, except God. Only Christ is the sinless one, and he is the friend of sinners. Confession thaws our hearts. Then try praying the Psalms. People have wet the pages of this beloved prayer book over the centuries and found hope in all circumstances.