GÉANT News
Nature enthusiasts are invited to observe the unfolding family drama it the nest of the Estonian black stork pair, Tony and Donna, listen to the sounds of the forest around the nest, read updates in the daily chronicle, and view pictures from the storks' 'family album'. The live video stream from the nest can be accessed through Estonia's weather portal at www.weather.ee/woodcam or directly from mms://video.eenet.ee/kurg.
The nest is located deep in an old virgin forest in central Estonia, where many small forest streams and rivers are easily accessible for food. Catching fish for the newly hatched nestlings is currently the primary activity for the adult birds. Donna and Tony are also sharing the task of keeping the clutch warm and sheltered from rain and the sun.
The full brood of 4 eggs had hatched by 28 May after a nearly week-long interruption of the video transmission caused by a technical failure. During the nestlings` first week the weather in Estonia was tropical, with daytime temperatures around +30C. For the black stork, a species with a largely southern hemisphere distribution, this was a good thing, and the nestlings have grown quickly.
It is rare for Black Storks to have 4 chicks and the large brood appears to have triggered survival instincts: on 31 May one of the young storks was cast out of the nest, leaving three.
The camera is now working again and the project team of EAGLELIFE hopes that it continues to operate. With frequent thunderstorms and strong winds, technical problems may still occur.
The black stork, a species native to Estonia, is a rare bird inhabiting large virgin forests and very sensitive to human activity. Presently there are fewer than 100 pairs breeding in Estonia - less than half the number here 30 years ago.
Estonian Ornithological Society
CONTACT: Urmas Sellis, EAGLELIFE
[email protected]
