Featheredfriday Storks

Storks, messengers of the spring have already gone. These gorgeous birds come in March and leave late August and September. But there are some still there, in Varna zoo.

Last week I visited the zoo. It is a small zoo, favourite place for the kids. However I have mixed feelings about the zoo. I hate to see animals behind bars. On the other hand, some are rescued, like the storks. Also it is good children to learn about wild life and to treasure it by visiting the zoo, taking part in events organized there... I will have more posts about the zoo. So, now back to the birds and the storks, as they are the main character of this post.

I am always happy to see the first storks arriving in March, knowing the long winter is over and sad when I see them leaving.

Sometimes the last winter spells suprised the early arrivals and there is big risk they can freeze if suddenly temperatures dropped. There was a story of a man in a village near my working place, who has rescued many storks by keeping them in his warm house until the weather turned better to let them go.

In many countries according to their folkore, the storks are bringing the babies. They are depicted with bundle with newborn baby in their bill.

A joke
A child was asking the mother - Is it true Santa brings presents for Christmas? Yes, replied the mother.
Is it true the stork brings the babies?, kept on asking the child. Yes, again said the mother.
Then, why do we need father?, asked the child.

Storks do not fear humans and they build nests very often on rooftops. Or on the chimney.

Their diet consist of insects, worms, frogs, shrewds, sometimes eggs and fish.
Very distinctive bill-clattering noise can be heard, when the bird opens and closes rapidly its beak.

The usual pose on one feet standing.