Are Birds on the Wing Killed by Lightning?

Abstract

I CAN answer the question put in NATURE (of April 19) by “Skelfo,” not only from several authentic records in my possession, but from personal observation. Many years ago I was standing on the steps of a woollen mill stair (outside) in the village of the Haugh, Ayrshire, in the company of others, some of whom are still alive, watching a terrific thunderstorm over the fields adjoining the river Ayr. What was then familiarly termed “forked lightning” was playing in the valley with great brilliancy. A lurcher puppy dog chased some ducks from behind an old gas-works building. One bird rose in the air, and with the characteristic cry of fright flew over the millrace in the direction of a corn-field. When on the wing it was struck by lightning and killed “like a shot.” I remember examining the dead bird, but do not remember if it really “smelt villanously of brimstone.” I think not.