Researchers: Birds Can Sense Major Storms

Geo Beats 2014-12-20

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Golden-winged warblers, and other birds, are believed to possess the ability to detect low-frequency sounds which help warn them of oncoming disaster.

Generally, animals are more attuned to nature than humans. In one such instance, according to ecologists, birds "heard tornadoes coming."

A recent study has found that golden-winged warblers, may be able to detect oncoming inclement weather through their ability to hear low-frequencies.

Ecologists believe other birds may have the same capabilities as well.

In May 2013, 20 warblers in the Appalachians were tagged with geolocators to see if it was possible to track their whereabouts.

Ten of those birds returned from their winter migration in April 2014. A few days after their return, a storm devastated the area.

At least 84 tornados occurred around the central and eastern United States during it, causing more than $1 billion in damage and 35 fatalities.

Afterwards, five of the warblers were caught and had their geolocators removed. It was then revealed that all of them had left the area one or two days before destruction struck.

Data collected from the devices showed they flew 400 miles away to the Gulf of Mexico. This occurred while weather conditions were still normal near their nests.

While a margin of error is possible with this sort of technology, the researchers are confident the data recorded reflects that a mass exodus was made by the birds after sensing the impending storm.

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