Zwin Nature Park in Knokke-Heist on Tuesday welcomed its first baby stork for the year.
The chick, which emerged in one of the nests at the stork tower, can be watched via a livestream on the park’s website and YouTube channel.
Newborn storks are approximately 12 centimetres tall and weigh around 80 grammes. Initially, they are mostly hidden by their parents and are not often visible. After about a week, they start to appear more frequently from under their parents’ wings.
Weather conditions are crucial for young storks. The current and upcoming sunny weather is beneficial, as cold and wet conditions can be fatal in the early stages. The chicks are ready to fly after about two months, and by early August, they begin their migration south.
To celebrate the birth of the new stork, the nature park will host a big event on the weekend of 17 May. Visitors can join guided walks to see the nests. Until then, the storks can be observed via livestream.
