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ABC NewsNews HomeWhen it storms, where do the birds go?ShareShare articleWhen it storms, where do the birds go?

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  By Amanda Hoh

• ABC Radio Sydney

• Topic:Birds

Fri 29 Jan 2016Friday 29 January 2016Fri 29 Jan 2016 at 12:10pm

abc.net.au/news/when-it-storms-where-do-the-birds-go/7123870Link copiedShareShare article

When rain, hail or lightning hits, we typically run for shelter indoors and wrap up in cosy attire. But what happens to birds?

Well, they "batten down the hatches too", according to Birdlife Australia manager Dr Holly Parsons.

"A bit of rain doesn't worry many birds but in a particularly bad storm, birds are going to seek some shelter — so they're going to pop up on your back deck," she said.

"They're going to find some dense shrubs and they'll be going into trees close to tree trunks and holding on tight."

While birds can be blown away, injured or killed in a bad storm, Dr Parsons told 702 ABC Sydney's Robbie Buck that most "tend to cope OK".

Which birds weather the storm best?

According to Dr Parsons passerines or "perching birds" like magpies, currawongs and fairy-wrens are the most sturdy order of birds as their feet are designed to have to three toes forward and three toes back to grip onto branches.

They also have a tendon in their legs which locks down tight to help them hold on.

Can birds predict the weather?

There is some evidence that birds respond to drops in pressure and therefore seek shelter before a storm hits.

They also tend to avoid high trees during lightning storms to avoid being whipped around from the tops of trees.

What can we do to help?

While birds can take care of themselves, it doesn't hurt to give them a helping hand once the storm passes.

"Take a look outside and check there's no birds that are injured," Dr Parsons said.

"If there are contact wildlife rescue, but for the most part birds are going to be fine."

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