No idea, all I know is I had to pull a good dozen dead starlings out of the chainlink afterwards in addition to cutting up that big oak that barely missed the house. It was sort of pitiful, a little spooky really.
I don't question that animal behavior can be predictive of weather, even though this one sounds far-fetched. My grandparents farmed and I was taught from childhood to watch animal behavior for signs of weather to come, particularly snow which happens with enough regularity here to be a concern, but is not a frequent occurrence. Birds go to ground, get very active to the point of seeming nervous, and stuff themselves, eat eat eat. Odd groups of birds you don't usually see together, all over the place. Squirrels too. It's a pretty distinct thing once you're aware of it, no mistaking a big snow coming from watching them.
The scientists would love to hear from you. I’ll keep my eye out. I know the Marines watch the birds when they’re at war.