On Monday 8 July, the first baby stork left the nest at Vlaha. It left the nest at 9:08, with its siblings eagerly watching. The bravest of the chicks returned at 9:56, missing the feeding at 9:34. From 13:53 to 15:02 he was absent from the nest yet again, missing a feeding, but certainly getting some food from outside sources.
This was the earliest fledging compared to previous years. However, this is due to the earlier return of storks from Africa. Compared to the hatching of the first eggs, it is no longer considered as early. In the last four years, the first goslings flew out 60 days after the first eggs were laid, but this year it took 65 days. The slower development is probably explained by the fact that this year five chicks had to be fed with the food brought to the nest, compared to three or four in previous years.
On Tuesday, the brave little chick finally found a mate. Two have been missing from the nest on several occasions.
The parents are still feeding the chicks regularly, but the time will soon come when they will have to fend for themselves. The young usually join a migrating flock of storks in late July or early August and leave, usually not to be seen again.