Geese washing, or taking wing with a clamorous noise, and flying to the water, portend rain.
Gnats afford several indications. When they fly in a vortex in the beams of the setting sun they forebode fair weather; when they frisk about more widely in the open air at eventide they foreshow heat; and when they assemble under trees, and bite more than usual, they indicate rain.
Hogs, when they shake the stalks of corn, and spoil them, often indicate rain. When they run squeaking about, and jerk up their heads, windy weather is about to commence; hence the Wiltshire proverb, that "Pigs can see the wind."
Horses foretel the coming of rain by starting more than ordinarily, and by restlessness on the road.
Jackdaws are unusually clamorous before rain, as are also Starlings. Sometimes before change of weather the daws make a great noise in the chamber wherein they build.
Kine (cattle) are said to foreshow rain when they lick their fore-feet, or lie on their right side. Some say oxen licking themselves against the hair is a sign of wet.
Kites, when they soar very high in the air, denote fair weather, as do also Larks.
Magpies, in windy weather, often fly in small flocks of three or four together, uttering a strong harsh cry.
Mice when they squeak much, and gambol in the house, foretel a change of weather, and often rain.