Despite the tragic loss of the White Storks in the hailstorm that hit many areas in the Midlands, we are reminded that we share these beautiful birds with people around the world...
One of the birds killed during the sudden weather event was ringed with a unique number belonging only to that bird. The ring read 5P705 PLG - PLG being the tag that identifies that this bird was originally ringed in Poland! 🇵🇱Through communication with the Polish Ornithological Station (Stacja Ornitologiczna), we have learned that the White Stork in question was ringed as a chick on the 22nd of June 2015 in a village called Brzezie in Poland. Since then, it has been travelling between Poland and South Africa. One trip alone is 9,175 km, and this is done every year as the Storks travel from their breeding grounds in Europe to spend their summers in South Africa.
The tragedy of this event, and realising that the birds we lost will not be able to return to their breeding sites in Europe is a sobering thought. In spite of the tragic loss, we also recognize the remarkable journeys they undertake each year, connecting continents and people across the world. Knowing what we do now, we are inspired to continue raising awareness and appreciation of the animals that we are privileged to protect.
More from FreeMe Wildlife