Looks like our White Stork is struggling a bit through this cold spell.
Wednesday 6 January 2021
Beddington Farmlands, White Stork
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Looks like our White Stork is struggling a bit through this cold spell.
13 comments:
Might make one wonder about the advisability of re-introduction programmes?
Can he/she be given any additional support?
If I understand correctly Knepp kept the bird in captivity to de-program it's migration instinct. Hope it survives, if I recall the Stork Project would argue it has a higher chance of surviving the winter and establishing a breeding in population by staying here than taking a risk with migration. The warden is aware of the bird's condition and the Stork Project have been informed .
That’s good news, I really hope it makes it
One further question. Why is this bird not doing well do you think ?
It was quite inactive and the breast and head looked waterlogged implying difficult to preen and keep it's feathers water proofed ? It's got itself in a similar mess before and recovered well so fingers crossed.
I see what you mean - it certainly looks a little ropey. I wondered if there were any ideas on the underlying cause? Not enough food at Beddington?
I should perhaps confess that I'm a vet (know nothing medical about birds though) hence my desire to help is quite strong!
I think it could be weather related. There should be enough food. There is a waste transfer site a few tens of meters away from where it frequents- presumably it's scavenging there but I not sure exactly
Hi Peter todays picture on BPFacebook page from Jack Byles prompts me to ask you about the White Stork, I first saw it on 20th Oct and was a bit surprised when I saw it later looking very scruffy and stained. I messaged BF and asked if it was being caused by it wading through the clay.They replied on the 3rd November that because the developing wet grassland has just been re-landscaped and the substrate is unconsolidated and creating a suspension in the water. Not sure whether that still applies or how long it will take to settle down!!
If the poor bird is having a problem with preening its feathers properly it might have a difficult winter? Do you know if there are any close checks being done?
Many thanks Alan Kenway.
Hi Alan, yes the bird is being checked regularly and there is communication with the Stork Project too. Unfortunately the wet grassland won't be seeded until the spring so yes I think it will be a tough winter for him.
Hi Peter, yesterday he was being "mobbed" by seaguls - if that is the right way to describe it.
Hi Peter, yesterday Stork was being "mobbed" in flight by seagulls. Not sure if that's the right way to describe it.
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