Four Warnings From Birds That Tell You Utah Is In For Some Crazy Weather

It is known birds and animals are often aware of a weather disaster before it happens. Researchers are studying bird behavior to see if it can be used to predict natural disasters like tsunamis.

Birds and Their Behaviors When It Comes to Bad Weather

We don't have tsunamis in Utah, but there are some violent storms that can pop up on what seemed like a peaceful day. Birds can detect a change in the barometer and atmospheric pressure.

They will often give early warning signs that something is going to happen. Here are four signs that birds do that can indicate something big is coming.

Bird behavior can tell you about a change in weather. blightylad-infocus

Franticly Feeding

When birds feel a change is coming to their environment, they will stock up on calories. If you notice birds busily eating at backyard bird feeders or in a field that seems unusual, it indicates a change in the weather is imminent.

Flying Low to the Ground

Birds that soar through the air like hawks and swallows are skimming close to the ground indicates a low pressure system. The air is actually forcing flying insects close to the ground and the birds are feeding where the insects are.

Sudden Silence

If morning song birds suddenly go silent and stay still it might be a predator flying over head. If there isn't a predator like a hawk soaring nearby, it might be a change in air pressure that has caught their attention.

Migrating Birds Change Direction

Birds that travel over long distances has shown they will avoid areas with bad weather. If migrating birds begin to go in a different direction or even land in a field for no good reason, it could indicate some bad wind is on the way.

Read More: Southern Utah Rain Bringing Flash Flood and Storm Risks

Knowing these bird behaviors may not put you ahead of the national weather service, but it might impress others when you note a change in bird behavior and soon after the skies open up.