Unveiling The Secret Lives Of Sidewalk Worms: A Rainy Day Revelation

While out for a stroll with the dog this weekend, I couldn't help but notice that there were hundreds of worms on the sidewalks. Scads of the little crawlers were stretched out and slithering across the sidewalk while we strolled.

As the birds chirped I wondered to myself, it would be the easiest meal of the day for a bird. Hit the walk then dine and dash. As I ambled on I figured it could be a respect thing. Like something parent birds would teach their young. Don't take the easy road, or if you don't get a little dirt on your beak it doesn't count and won't feel as good when you're perched in the nest. 

Turns out, there's a reason the worms make their way to sidewalks and other hard surfaces during rainy periods. The Earthworm Society of Britain claims;

When the rain hits the ground it creates vibrations on the soil surface.  This causes earthworms to come out of their burrows to the surface. 

They go on to state the obvious, a wet surface is easier to slide on. Which if you take into consideration the looking for a mate theory, you could say that a rainy day is sort of a speed dating kind of a day for the creatures.

Did you notice the worms while you were out for a walk? Did you purposley watch your step? Or did you amble and ramble with reckless abandon and squash a few?

Judging by how many were out on the walk this weekend, the fishermen won't have to worry about a shortage when they hit the water looking for fish.