I had a lovely birthday celebration, and now that my friend has left, am ready to share some photos of the White Stork, taken in the Algarve, in a place called Alvor.
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The White Stork Ciconia ciconia |
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In Portugal, the stork is a protected species, and almost revered by farmers who appreciate and protect them..... |
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as the birds thrive on small mammals, lizards, snakes, and large insects, ... |
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which save the farmers having to buy expensive pesticides on their crops. |
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The storks often build their nests close to the marshlands or wetlands, where they can feast on frogs, and fish too. |
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This field had at least twelve nests, and after having a word with the farmer, we were allowed to photograph them. |
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They build their nests up high on tall chimneys, telegraph poles, electricity pylons, church steeples, as well as trees. |
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Their nests are a great engineering feat. |
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The adult stork reaches a standing height of 80 to 115 cm, and has a wing span of 195 to 215 cm. |
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It is in flight that they take on a grace and beauty which belies it's size, as it glides high in the sky with outspread wings. |
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I must have stayed in the field a few hours in awe of their size, as I watched them leave, and return to their nests. |
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The day was hazy, ...not the best of conditions to take photos, and.... |
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We couldn't approach too near because of the chicks, so regretfully I have none to share. |
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Their were many storks foraging in the fields. |
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They are elegant creatures, even whilst foraging as they walk along at a gentle pace. |
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In the past twenty years, storks have begun to stay here all winter, and can be seen all over the south of Portugal. |
SATURDAY'S CRITTERS
I'D-RATHER-B-BIRDIN
