Karula National Park 2/ Must toonekurg 4

[marika.solo]

MAIDEN FLIGHT 6:45:45-6:46:17 Bonus chick 710 L - to the large branch and back to the nest

[marika.solo]

the same route storklet repeated more times today

pooping on the nest floor before starting again

[marika.solo]

[marika.solo]

after approx. 20 min to next branch

[marika.solo]

after next cca 20 min back to the nest



who is this enemy?

[marika.solo]

The photo shows a distant view of the nest, with my favourite, male Eedi, his three chicks, and the adopted Bonus 2 (all the chicks fell victim to a white-tailed eagle / Haliaeetus albicilla).

14.07.2022 Eedi and chicks, including Bonus2


Pic from video by Kotkaklubi https://youtu.be/KAzVYnWBlOs?si=uUtjTHbJ-3tUo5aT

[marika.solo]

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August 02
Hello everyone

CHICK () +
- 1st chick: 72 days old (hatched in the night 21./22.05)
- 2nd chick: 72 days old (hatched in the night 21./22.05)
- 3rd chick: 71 days old (hatched on 23. 05)
- 4th: on 24. 05; brood reduction by female on 28.05 - 4 days old

- one chick, Bonus 2, adopted on 18.06

MAIDEN FLIGHT
- on 26.07 at - 7203
- on 27.07 at - 7201
- on 29.07 at - 7202
- on 01.08 at - 710L / Bonus

Maiden Flights & Chick Age:
26 July: 1st chick (7203) – 65–66 days old
27 July: 2nd chick (7201)– 66–67 days old
29 July: 3rd chick (7202) - 67 days old

Note on fledging age: The chicks became fully flight-capable slightly earlier than the standard Baltic reference range (68–72 days). This earlier maiden flight (at 65–66 days) was primarily facilitated in my opinion by an abundant and consistent food supply throughout their development, promoting optimal feather growth and physical condition.

Leg Ring Identification:
Three of the chicks carry rings 7201, 7202, and 7203, while the adopted/foster chick (referred to as "Bonus") carries the distinct ring 710L.

1/ By tracking 35 chicks with transmitters, Polish researchers found that these young birds permanently left their nests at an average of 87 days of age, with a maximum of 108 days. Before their definitive departure for migration, the fledglings initially fly within an average distance of up to 200 meters, and as they get older, this distance increases to an average of up to 500 meters.(Dr. Anderwald)

2/ Survival rates are higher for chicks that spend more time at the nest after fledging, as they return to the nest and gradually gain independence while still receiving food from their parents. For another 2 to 4 weeks after becoming able to fly, they will return to the nest to rest or spend the night. (Dr. Strazds)

3/ Fledglings learn to search for foraging sites and acquire food on their own only after their definitive departure from the nest (migration). (prof. Zielinski)

[marika.solo]

youtube chat info - thx to everyone
YouTube comments do not reflect all nest events throughout the day, including chick feedings; therefore, the log is unfortunately incomplete.

Nest Activity Log 01/08/2026 (in the evening - whole day)
Log compiled from chat observations and structured with the assistance of Gemini AI.

Events Timeline

[marika.solo]

09:05:42 - the begging display starts, 09:06:37 the adult stork lands, feeding - 09:06:54 out
a lot of nice sized fish, every chick is present

[marika.solo]

7202 aggressive behaviour towards Bonus/710L who seems to be very excited