The next Black Stork story

This year is full of Black Stork surprises.

Normally, late broods observed for Black Storks until mid-May (12th till 15. May). For June, there is currently no confirmed sightings in Germany till now. I was surprised as I have today found a appr. 20-day-old young BS in the nest. The start of breeding was thus following the 07th-08. June!! An incredible story. In the nest was already a dead young BS. We have measured in the region 120 mm rainfall in just two days!

This putative second-clutch is probably one of the latest in Europe (see below).

For comparison later broods (beginning) in Europe: 

• Czech Republic: ~ 16.06.1999 (on 12.09.99 juv. staying still on the nest) - F. POJER;
• Belgium: ~ 23.05.2011 (two cases) - G. JADOUL
• Latvia: ~ mid-June (undated), fledged juv. mid-September - M. STRAZDS
• Germany - ~ 08.06.2011 (J. HAFERLAND & C. ROHDE)

This approximately 20-day-old young Black Stork is on a pine. Brandenburg - 28.07.2011 © C. Rohde.

If everything goes perfectly, he will only fledged in mid-September. But it is questionable.... Apparently missing also already a parent....?! We keep an eye on things!

Lonely boy.... Keeping my fingers crossed, Brandenburg - 28.07.2011 © C. Rohde

First German Six-Pack

This year is truly a special Black Stork year in Germany. I can tell as a crowning of Germany's first "Six-Pack". Andre Maslow, a young and enthusiastic ornithologist and falconer found this new beech-nest in Thuringia, directly on the border to Bavaria.

Six nestlings and the adult Black Stork at feeding time....

08.07.2011, Thuringia © C. Rohde.

Note - the chicks are almost fully fledged - at that age can be neighboring to cheat already fledging Storks. For example, a SIX PACK are entirely fake - if they checked very late in the nest! 

These are but a secure brood with six nestlings. Two weeks ago, Andre was able to admire this chicks.

Six wonderful Black Storks - but only with six legs...  fledging in 2-3 days!

08.07.2011, Thuringia © C. Rohde.

A special thanks for taking photos from the hiding place goes to my BS-friends in Thuringia - Andre Maslow and Gunter Berwing.

From Europe there are currently 5 secured documents with six Black Stork nestlings (2x Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria).

Flight training - 08.07.2011, Thuringia © C. Rohde.

Where is my trout.... - 08.07.2011, Thuringia © C. Rohde 

Quickly disappear.... - 08.07.2011, Thuringia © C. Rohde