01.06.2005

1st Chick hatched at the Internet Storks

Over night to June 1st the first chick hatched at "Internet Storks" in Vetschau/Spreewald. After a regular brooding time of 32 days it freed itself of the egg shell assisted by one of the parent storks. One can scarcely believe it, but this tiny creature of a young stork already lays its beak onto its back and and clatters.

The stork protectors and stork friends from around the world are very happy and sent wishes for good luck via Internet to the Nature Protection Federation in Vetschau. The chicks will receive names, which were selected by the Internet stork fans (www.storchennest.de). The first chick will receive the name Herbert in memory of a deceased faithful stork friend. The "Internet stork couple" looks after the offspring solicitously, keeps it under their wings, and constantly loosens the nest material in the hollow. The remaining eggs are further incubated. One of the parent storks stays at the eyrie while the other is away in search for feed. Small animals such as earth worms, bugs and snails the little ones need. The food is not given to them as with song birds. The parent storks regurgitate the food onto the nest floor. From here the young ones pick it up themselves. Now the exiting and interesting phase of bringing up the young ones begins. This event may be watched live on the monitor at the White Stork Centre. The facility is open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm except for Mondays.

Winfried Boehmer
NABU-Project Leader

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