Our soaring friends: storks

As there were many discussions about how soaring birds help us find thermals, this may be of interest to at least some of us: storks have arrived today, after a long trip from Africa, to Przygodzice, just south of Ostrow Wielkopolski in Poland, the site of WGC 2018. You can watch them live improve their nest, hatch the eggs, teach the new generation to fly, between now and mid-August, when the new enlarged family will set off to Africa for the warmer climate:

http://www.bociany.przygodzice.pl/

Enjoy! When you fly in Leszno, Ostrow or anywhere in Central Europe for that matter, please remember that they are kind of timid so don't get too close. Also, frankly, they are, IMHO, no so good in centering thermals as some birds of prey.

From experience : Whenever you see a storck thermalling - drop everything and join him. Beautiful birds.

Bert TW

Around Chicago this time of year we see large flocks of Sandhill Cranes. If there are enough of them they can form the outline of a thermal for you! Spectacular! We also get flocks of migrating Black Tipped Pelicans which can soar very well too. The only problem is that the migration season is during the very early (or late) soaring season in these parts. During the main soaring season we rely on Red Tail Hawks and (recently) Bald Eagles to spot thermals - but the gosh-darn things don't flock!

Five eggs, wow! The first young one is due May 2nd or 3rd.

http://www.bociany.przygodzice.pl/

I guess birds have a built-in vario... wonder how that works... or can they "see" air currents... or they just fly around knowing by instinct "where" and turn when they feel lift... again they have a built-in "Motor" so they don't stress too much...