Because the birds are pleasurably excited by a favourable change in the atmosphere.
1112. Why is it said that the moping of the owl foretells death?
Because owls scream when the weather is on the change; and when a patient is lingering on a death bed, the alteration in the state of the atmosphere frequently induces death, because the faint and expiring flame of life has not strength enough to adapt itself to the change.
1113. Why may wet weather be expected when spiders break off their webs, and remove them?
Because the insects, anticipating the approach of rain, remove their webs for preservation.
"There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate."—Isaiah xxxiv.
1114. Why may we expect a continuance of fine weather when bees wander far from their hives?