Natural Calamities

Bird Behavior before Natural Calamities
Can studying bird behavior lead to the prediction of natural calamities? And can localized industrialization lead to extinction of some species?

Reported evidence suggests that birds have an inborn or inherent connection with nature. There have been instances of unusual behavior in birds before natural calamities have struck. Observations include birds abandoning their nests; hens not laying eggs; and crows gathering together in the middle of the night—all for no plausible reason. However,  scientific evidence linking bird behavior to changes in weather and atmospheric conditions has not been documented.

Could it be possible that birds and animals can really predict or sense approaching disasters?

Earthquakes

Birds, because of their geomagnetic sensitivity (which helps them in their migratory routes), may be able to sense minute changes in the geological movement of the tectonic plates. These changes result in abnormal behavior in birds. This kind of tectonic activity causes large flocks of birds to take to flight in middle of the night, or nocturnal birds to come out of hiding during bright daylight. They get excited and some of them die. 

Evidence indicates that sparrows are particularly sensitive to radio waves which may be emitted during earthquakes. They respond by chirping continuously (they do not twitter as they do normally) and edgily, and by taking short swift flights in large flocks. Cocks and hens try to get onto higher ground. Cocks begin to crow while hens lay defective eggs. Some birds like ducks stay away from water and become aggressive while others like seagulls fly away from water bodies. Birds such as parakeets may die.

Rainfall

Birds may be able to detect rapid changes in atmospheric pressure and humidity levels with the help of their extremely sensitive organs. They might, hence, be able to predict regional occurrences of rainfall and thunderstorms.

Can localized industrial activities and deforestation affect survival of species?

Human intervention in the environment can adversely affect the inborn abilities and survival instincts of birds and animals by interfering with their senses. For example, atmospheric pollution can cause birds to get disoriented during long migrations. This is something which happens with the best of our modern communication systems and highly trained personnel!

It is possible that destruction of local habitats on migratory pathways, which the birds depend on during migration, can eventually lead to extinction of particular species. Some species, like the crow and pigeon, have adapted very well to human habitations, but this is not always the case.

More studies are required before we can have a definitive answer to this question. What is beyond doubt is that natural calamities are due to adverse effects of human activities on the ecosystem.

The time to act is fast disappearing. Unless drastic efforts are made to protect the environment, the very survival of our future generations will be be at the mercy of Mother Nature.

Spot-winged Tit or Spot-winged Crested Tit
Location: Bandavgarh, Madhya Pradesh
Courtesy: Upendra Chandratreya