First stork of the year born at the Het Zwin Nature Park in Knokke-Heist
The first stork chick of 2024 has been born at the Het Zwin Nature Park at Knokke-Heist in West Flanders. This is around two weeks earlier than in other years. This is probably due to the mild winter. It is not yet clear whether the chick will survive.
It's smiles all round among the rangers at the Zwin Nature Park in Knokke-Heist. A couple of weeks earlier than usual the first stork chick of the year has been born at Het Zwin. The nature park’s Ina De Wasch told VRT News that the mild winter is probably the reason while the first stork chick of the year has been born earlier this year that in other years. "There was no extensive period of frost either. That probably had an influence on when they started laying their eggs."
The stork chick is about 12cm in length and weighs about 70g. More chicks are expected soon. "It is not yet certain whether all the stork chicks will survive. It depends on two factors: sufficient food and the weather. The wet period does mean there is a lot of food available, so that is a positive thing."
However, the weather picture for the coming week doesn’t look good with low temperatures, hail, rain and wind having been forecast. “The chicks are still very small and don't have much down. That makes them vulnerable." Ms De Wasch said.
If you want to see the stork chicks of the Zwin Nature Park live in their nest you can by clicking on this link.