If a dead bird lies near a player's ball in the same bunker, what is the ruling?

The correct response is that the bird may be removed without penalty. In the rules of golf, when a player encounters a dead animal in a bunker, such as a bird, they are allowed to remove it. This is considered a case of "loose impediment," which encompasses natural objects that do not interfere with the play of the game. The player can proceed with their shot without facing any penalty for removing the dead bird from the bunker.

This ruling ensures that players can maintain a safe and fair playing environment, as a dead animal could potentially interfere with their stance or swing. The act of allowing the removal of such impediments prioritizes the players' ability to execute their shots without undue hindrance caused by natural or unnatural objects in their vicinity. The agreement in the rules benefits the gameplay and upholds the spirit of fair play.