Pärnu county (Kergu + Kerli) / Must-toonekurg 3

[marika.solo]

For our storklet (the late-hatched chick now 59 days old), the decisive factor will be

1/ whether the adults continue to find sufficient food and
2/ whether parental care continues to take precedence over the increasing drive to migrate.

KERGU left for migration
2022 - 12.08 ( 2 chick)
2023 - 29.07 (no nesting)
2024 - 30.07 (no nesting)
2025 - 11.08 (3 chicks still on the nest, but already fledglings approx. 1 week)

KERLI left for migration
2024 - 22.07 (no nesting)
2025 - 16.08 (3 chicks still on the nest, but already fledglings approx. 2 weeks)

1/ Chicks become capable of flight at 68–72 days of age (maiden flight). The timing of the maiden flight depends on several factors. (Urmas Sellis)

- Estimated MAIDEN FLIGHT (68–72 days): 19–22 Aug for our storklet.

2/ By tracking 35 tagged chicks, Polish researchers found that young storks left the nest permanently at an average age of 87 days, with the latest departure recorded at 108 days. Before their definitive departure for migration, fledglings usually fly within an average distance of about 200 m from the nest. As they grow older, this distance gradually increases to about 500 m. (Dr Anderwald)

- Estimated DEFINITIVE DEPARTURE (87 days): 8 Sep for our storklet.

3/ Survival is higher in chicks that remain at the nest for a longer period after fledging. They gradually become independent while still receiving food from their parents. For another 2–4 weeks after the maiden flight, they may return to the nest to rest or spend the night. (Dr Strazds)

- Estimated end of the regular post-fledging nest period (about 2 weeks after the maiden flight): 2 Sep for our storklet.

4/ During the post-fledging period, young storks mainly practise flying, landing and manoeuvring close to the nest. According to Prof. Zieliński, they learn to locate feeding sites and forage independently only after their definitive departure from the nest during migration.

[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 12/08/2026 (in the evening - whole day)
Log compiled from chat observations and structured with the assistance of Gemini AI.

Events Timeline

Morning / Forenoon

05:32:00 The chick vocalised in the nest.
05:58:00 An adult departed from a nearby branch, visible on camera.
06:27:00 The chick exercised its wings and preened remaining downy feathers.

11:10:00 The chick stretched its wings in the nest.
11:52:34 - 11:53:15 FEEDING: Kergu arrived, delivered food, stepped onto a branch at 11:53:04, and departed at 11:53:15.

Afternoon / Evening

14:15:50 The chick exercised its wings.
14:51:47 - 14:52:34 FEEDING: Kergu arrived and delivered a second portion of food consisting of small prey items and frogs.

16:02:40 - 16:03:15 FEEDING: Kergu arrived for a third time, regurgitating a large quantity of frogs, and departed at 16:03:15.
16:12:00 The chick rested in the nest after feeding.

19:55:50 The chick stood up, stretched, and exercised its wings with small hops until 19:59:26.
20:43:55 A stork flew near the nest tree; the chick vocalised intensely towards the passing adult.
22:02:00 The chick is resting in the nest for the night.

Summary Highlights:
• Three feedings were recorded during the day, all delivered by the male Kergu (at 11:52:34, 14:51:47, and 16:02:40).
• The food deliveries consisted primarily of frogs and small aquatic prey.
• The chick was active throughout the day, exercising its wings, preening remaining downy feathers, and vocalising towards parents perched in the vicinity.

[marika.solo]

11:52 feeding by KERGU

[marika.solo]

14:52 feeding by KERGU
a lot of little "things" - 2 portions

14:51:16 begging display
14:51:48 Kergu landing
feeding: a lot of ... (?)
14:52:20 to lookout/branch - 14:52:34 took of

[marika.solo]

16:02 feeding by KERGU

16:02:35 begging display
16:02:40 Kergu landing
feeding: a lot of frogs
16:03:15 Kergu out (to the right)
chick is talking to 16:04:06

[marika.solo]

[marika.solo]

wing-flapping and hopping for muscle development

[marika.solo]

[marika.solo]

"Cleopatra eye"

[marika.solo]

black stork is flying around

begging display,chirping from20:43:50 to 20:46:46