One of the conventional wisdoms about animals is that they can sense when a storm is coming. People tell me this all the time but I have not really seen much evidence of it. I had this idea this morning to take advantage of the approach storm moving across the northern half of the country today and tomorrow and observe the donkeys, dogs and sheep and try and look for signs that they are aware of impending storm – we are expecting more than a foot here Friday and Friday evening. I thought we might try an interactive research project. I’ll watch my animals and you watch yours. When the storm is over I’ll post my observations on the blog and on Facebook and you can add your own observations and thoughts.

One of the great potential uses of social media – other than to let everybody else know where you are shopping – is to try some hands on empirical research. I’m interested in this subject and I’ll be interested to see what you think and see.

I will be looking to see if they drink more water or want more food. If they are restless. If their habits change – if they cling to the pole barn. If the sheep huddle near the donkeys, if the donkeys cluster together. I’ll watch Red and Lenore and Frieda to see if their outside habits change in any way. I think the donkeys are the most likely animals to show signs of awareness of bad weather – they are alert and intelligent and Lulu especially is vigilant. Hopefully we can shed some light on the question, but it will be interesting either way. Jump in if you wish.