Seminole Indians' response to tropical cyclones

[MiamiensisWx]

This insightful column, written by Betty Mae "Tiger" Jumper (born in 1923), astutely offers evidence that frugality and resourcefulness can facilitate survival during tropical cyclones and their aftermath (despite relatively minimal resources).

http://www.semtribe.com/tribune/99/oct22/hurricane.shtml

Interestingly, it also raises the spectre of short term "forecasting" (within ~24-36 hours) via meticulous alertness and monitoring animal behavior. This method was common prior to improved forecasting, widespread availability of radios, and current infrastructure. In the 1920s, people did receive warnings via the U.S. Weather Bureau and radio broadcasts, but the majority of south Florida residents did not have the means to effectively gain substantial awareness (in advance of a tropical cyclone). Additionally, demographics and technology were vastly different than recent years.

Animal behavior (within ~24-36 hours of a tropical cyclone) is a definite indicator of changing conditions, including decreasing pressures/SLP, height falls, etc. I've witnessed the responses of fauna prior to numerous tropical cyclones in southern Florida. One example is the inland migration of crabs, which was observed by others prior to Hurricane Jeanne. Some studies have also suggested that the low flight of some bird species (mentioned by the author) may be influenced by alterations of conditions prior to a tropical cyclone. Animals definitely detect and sense changing conditions.

[MiamiensisWx]

Bump... this topic may garner some keen interests.

It demonstrates that you don't need the latest methods to survive disasters... in many cases, knowledge of local plants/topography, the ability to purify water, successful shelter construction, and other facets can facilitate survival.

[GoldenTriangle]

Which birds have forked tails in that area?

[MiamiensisWx]

Which birds have forked tails in that area?

One species is the magnificent frigatebird, which is a pelagic seabird. This species may venture well inland prior to tropical cyclones. Anhingas and swallow-tailed kites also exhibit forked tails. Other species include swallows.

[Tampa Bay Hurricane]

Prior to tropical systems I have seen large flocks of birds fly.

[Sanibel]

Probably a scissor tailed Kite because of the inland location.

They say the Calusa Indians did not build villages out here on Sanibel or the barrier islands because they knew it would be disastrous in a strong hurricane. They built their villages inland.

[HurricaneRobert]

I saw birds (non-migratory) hunkered down in the pond more than a day before Ike rolled ashore.

[MGC]

As we drove along Hwy-90 evacuating for Katrina on Sunday, we noticed a pronounced absence of birds along the Mississippi coast. The birds had all flown the coop. The birds knew something bad was coming and left long before us dumb humans did.....MGC

[Frank2]

Per what was mentioned in the article - I've never heard of the four axes, but, over the years have learned that the Everglades Kite are a good way to know how bad the weather will be...

The chickees are another - I worked for a state facility on the edge of the Everglades in the late '70s, and, the chickees on their property were built by the Miccosukee Tribe of Seminole Indians - we'd have lunch under them during some very heavy rainshowers, but, the thatched roofs never leaked...

My parents often found great pleasure in relaxing under the Indian-built chickees near our house - they are very practical structures for this climate that stand up to the elements very well...