Storks
From our balcony, we can see two stork nests. I love watching the living gliders soar past on their commute to work and home. From spring to August, we observe the breeding season and the raising of the young. It's super exciting to find out whether one, two or three stork children will be peeking out over the edge of the nest. Last year there were three, and the poor parents had to work stupidly to feed them. This time they had overwintered with us, which is why they had already started breeding when the majority of storks arrived in our region. That was an impressive movie. I could count fourteen storks circling above me.
Three days ago, the two nests were suddenly inhabited by a probably male stork, with daily maximum temperatures just above 0° Celsius (32° F). Both stood on their nest and proudly trumpeted, er, clattered their arrival to the world. Then Stork A paid Stork B a visit. After all, you want to know your neighbors and politely let them know that you are willing and able to defend your territory. There was a sightseeing flight together until Stork B accompanied Stork A home and also returned to his nest. A day later, Stork A’s wife arrived. Now, the new year has begun for real.