Karula National Park 2/ Must toonekurg 4

[marika.solo]

Karula's young BS seem to be doing well at the moment and have a heron as their companion.

[marika.solo]

At night, minks also come to eat fish in the basket.
Minks eat fish, frogs and snails, so for him the contents of the fish basket are also tempting.

[marika.solo]

August 25
Hello everyone

7202: 96 days old
- maiden flight: 29.07 - 67 days old

TIBU: 73 days old (Tibu was released near the fish basket near Karula's nest):
- forced maiden flight (ringing day): 17.08 in the evening 64 days old
- forced maiden flight (rescuing day): 19.08 in the evening 66 days old

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): 21–26 Aug for Tibu.
CHICK FLEDGED (FORCED FLIGHT/RINGING) on 17.08.2026 IN THE EVENING 64 DAYS OLD.

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 Tibu.

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 Tibu.

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]

[marika.solo]

Most of the close-up pictures are of a heron. It doesn't intend to leave, but the young BS have had their share today.

[marika.solo]

It's warmer and better to be on the sunny side of the ditch.