Is it windy? Getting colder? Starting to rain?
Weather conditions can influence bird movement.
Watch Their Direction
Are the
birds repeatedly flying toward water, trees, fields, or buildings?
Their destination can give you a clue about what they’re doing.
Look for Food
If birds are swooping repeatedly over grass or gardens, they may be catching insects.
Watch for Predators
If an entire flock suddenly changes direction, there could be a predator nearby—or another disturbance causing the reaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does low-flying birds always mean rain?
No. Birds may fly low because they’re feeding, landing, traveling, avoiding wind, responding to predators, or following normal behavior for their species.
Can
birds sense bad weather?
Birds can detect environmental changes and may respond to conditions such as wind, temperature, and atmospheric changes. However, their behavior isn’t reliable enough to use as a precise weather forecast.
Why do birds fly low before rain?
