Dandelion phenomena

This is something I noticed last Spring, around mid-May here on Long Island.  In the yard, all of a sudden dandelions popped up everywhere all over the lawn.  This was after I had mowed the lawn several days ago, and we had an extended dry period.  Guess what happened after the yard was covered with dandelions?  We had a day or two of record wind!  I wonder, do plants have mechanisms that respond to humidity and air pressure, so that they can take advantage of upcoming weather to optimize seed dispersal?

Birds unraveling window screens in grove city, ohio

I recently visited my brother in Grove City, Ohio.  When I entered his house I noticed a window screen laid out on a table for repair. It seems that the birds have learned how to unravel window screens!  I wonder if this is a local, learned behavior or if it occurs in other parts of the world?