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The first storks have returned to Poland from Africa to mark the first day of spring.

“Storks hardly ever return from their winter migration as early as 21 March, which is the vernal equinox,” ornithologist Marian Stoj told Polish Radio, adding that as many as 25 percent of world’s population of stork is concentrated in Poland.

“They are usually come back to Poland between 24 and 26 March or on 1 April by the latest,”  he says.

Storks which have already come to Poland started migrating from Sub-Saharan and South Africa, where they passed the winter, in mid February. The migration, during which storks cover a distance of up to 2.000 km, usually takes around 49 days.

Cranes have also left northern parts of Africa and southern parts of Euro-Asia and turned in Poland. In the southern region of Podkarpacie ornithologist reported a flock of 50 to 300 cranes. Right after their arrival cranes make nests and start mating.

The first day of spring in Poland is marked by sunny and warm weather which will continue throughout the week. At the beginning of April Poles can expect up to 20 degrees Celsius. (mg)

Source: IAR