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White stork
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| Photo Information |
Copyright: Eric Threinen (Eric)
![Silver Note Writer [C: 6 W: 0 N: 17]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/n-n-s.gif) (129) |
| Genre: Animals |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2005-11 |
| Categories: Birds |
| Camera: Canon 350D, 75-300mm, 58mm UV |
| Photo Version: Original Version |
| Date Submitted: 2005-11-13 5:08 |
| Viewed: 1831 |
| Points: 6 |
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note [French] |
The White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) is a large wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. It is a widespread but declining species which breeds in the warmer parts of Europe. It is a strong migrant, wintering in tropical Africa.
This is a broad winged soaring bird, which relies on moving between thermals of hot air for sustained long distance flight. Since thermals only form over land, storks, together with large raptors, must cross the Mediterranean at the narrowest points, and many hundreds can be seen going through the straits of Gibraltar and the Bosphorus.
The White Stork is a huge bird, 1 m tall with a 2 m wingspan. It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers and its red bill and legs. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground. Like all storks, it flies with its neck outstretched.
These storks breed in open farmland areas with access to marshy wetlands. It builds a stick nest in trees, on buildings, or special platforms. Because it is viewed as bird of good luck, it is not persecuted, and it often nests close to human habitation. In southern Europe, storks' nests can often be seen on churches and other buildings. It often forms small colonies.
The decline in the north of its range may be due to the drainage of wetlands and collisions with overhead power lines.
A quarter of the world population of White Stork breeds in Poland. Approximately 13,000 White Stork pairs bred in Lithuania, the fifth largest population and highest known density of this species in the world.
The White Stork, like most of its relatives, feeds mainly on frogs and large insects, but also young birds, lizards and rodents.
This stork is almost silent except for the noisy mutual bill-clattering when adults meet at the nest.
Sources: Wikipedia
More photos: Visioscope |
coasties, magiqa has marked this note useful
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- magiqa
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 142 W: 0 N: 67]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(695) - [2005-11-13 18:41]
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Wonderful picture of the storch lifting from the ground! Once I saw a field full of storchs, in Balkan. And in Riquewihr there are storchs, too, but I think they are born in reservates.
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- manyee
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3062 W: 231 N: 6152]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(21016) - [2005-11-14 1:25]
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Great shot, Eric. Superb POV. Sharp details, excellent exposure on this black and white bird. Well done and TFS. : )
Hello Eric
Sorry for the quick critique. Running out of time tonight. Lovely shot. Well composed. Very good colours, sharpness and detail. Well done. Thanks.
