18.07.2003

Internet Storks in the Shower

The two Internet storks at Vetschau/Spree Forest are thriving and clattering magnifiently. They already start to spread and flap their wings. The stork parents make every effort to fill the ever so hungry beaks and to satisfy their appetites. The young ones have already developed to where they are no longer in need of parental protection.

Both parent storks are in search for food for a fortnight now. The young ones' plumage is well developed, helping them to withstand the intense heat of the sun's rays without having the parent stork stand above them with spread wings to give them shade as could still be observed in June. However, at the current temperatures of more than 30°C (83°F), the young ones hackle with open beak to cool themselves, and are obviously thirsty.

Frequently one can observe that a parent stork flies away and returns after a few minutes with a special refreshment: From the beak he/she drips and squirts water on the young, up to two litres (quarts). Greedily the young take a sip and obviously enjoy the shower during the hot summer temperatures.

The parent storks also display a behaviour they only show at temperatures above 30°C (83°F): They chalk their legs, that means, they squirt excrement on them. This "chalking" of the legs serves as thermo regulator and protects against overheating. These happenings may also be witnessed live during a visit to the Stork Centre.

With "sunny" greetings
Winfried Boehmer

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