The first storks from southern climes have landed at the Zwin Nature Park in Knokke-Heist (West Flanders). Older storks are more likely to stay in the area for the winter, but younger birds will migrate.
Thanks to the mild weather, the first storks have returned early. "I arrived at work this morning and heard their squawking. That really gave me a good feeling," says Zwin director Ina De Wasch.
Already during the Christmas holidays, 13 storks were counted. "But those were older storks that no longer fly far distances. There are other storks that fly as far as Africa. The first ones from southern climes have already arrived back at the Zwin. We expect more storks every week."
Some young storks also carry a transmitter. "We know they are still down south. As spring approaches, we see they are coming back. At the Zwin they often choose the same nests as in previous years."
“Young storks are also born at the Zwin every year, usually in the spring. That is what we are waiting for now”.