posted on Sep, 30 2006 @ 04:49 AM
Object in the funnel cloud picture is almost definitely a bird - I have similar problems myself sometimes, especially when using telephoto lenses.
As for tornados - we often get them in the winter here in the UK too, though mostly we seem them in the summer when big thunderstorms are more
common.
A good explanation of tornados here:-
www.torro.org.uk...
When they occur most frequently is simply down to local climate. Given the right weather conditions - basically a mix of warm and cold air masses -
they can occur just about anywhere at any time.
Although the air temperature at ground level may seem cold, what's important is the difference in temperatures between the different air masses - so
a difference of say 20f to 60f is much the same as 60f and 100f. Hence also why we sometimes get 'thundersnow' - ie a thunderstorm occuring during
a snow storm.