09.07.2002

Stork Triplets enjoy a Shower

"Our" young ones are developed well enough not to require protection. For a fortnight now, both parent storks fly away in search for food. The plumage is also well developed. The young ones are able to endure the sun's intense rays without the parents having to supply shade by standing over them with spreaded wings as could still be observed in June. Still during the present temperatures of above 30° C (86° F) the young ones hackle with opened beaks to cool themselves, and are obviously thirsty. Often one can now observe that a parent stork departs and returns a few minutes later with a special refreshment: Out of the beak he trickles and squirts water onto the young, generally in the neighbourhood of two litres (about 2 quarts). Eagerly the young ones take a drink and evidently relish the shower during these summer temperatures.

Also, the parent storks show a behaviour during temperatures above 30° C (86° F) they wouldn't show otherwise: They chalk their legs, this means, they squirt droppings onto them. This "white washing" of the legs serves to regulate temperatures and protects against overheating.

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