Some new arrivals

In early June two storks (and I swear three at times) started taking an interest in the telegraph and electricity poles in front of our house and along our 'street' (in reality a grass track which is the access route for the six properties along it). I was rather surprised because most of the storks flew by weeks and weeks ago having returned from further south; one neighbour says from Egypt specifically. I think this was a young pair as it was so late to start nest building, and subsequent watching seems to have proved this!

They certainly took their time getting started, having finally selected the electricity pole in front of our derelict house in the garden. Enjoyably, we can see the pole, nest and storks from out upstairs landing, or chardak, чардак. For days all I saw was one stork, all alone, standing on the pole. Rarely, the other stork would return and the pair would clack beaks and spend a few hours picking up occasional sticks. Having got to the dozen or two dozen stick stage, it would unfortunately rain and all the sticks would fall off, amateurs! Repeat of the above, about four times over.

 On the fifth attempt the sticks must have got past critical mass and a proper nest, that resisted subsequent rain, started to grow, hooray. Both storks were around from now on - one wonders if the other stork had it's eye on a different location and there was a bit of a stand off for a while before building commenced here! - and whilst working in the garden a big, black shadow often went over head, fetching and carrying material. (Worth clicking on this one to see it a bit larger!)

Both storks have been helpfully tidying up the garden by picking up tree and scrub cuttings from past week's work outdoors. They are a striking sight wading through the grass and testing their sticks with a shake of the beak! Not quite as majestic as when they are stood on the nest or flying, but impressive nonetheless.

As you can see, the nest is a decent size now, and Mrs Stork has taken to sitting down for a few hours at a time. Hopefully the eggs will be soon to appear and Mrs Stork will sit tight. I am slightly concerned that after all this effort and rebuilding it might still all come to nothing... whenever rain is approaching or the wind gets up both birds disappear until better weather returns. Please let the eggs stay warm enough and develop. I'll keep you posted :O)