
For months the storks' nest on the border of Kortezubi and Gautegiz Arteaga has stood empty. Grass has shot up between the twigs and the structure has a air of abandonment.

But change is in the air!
As the old saying goes, "¡Por San Blas la cigüeña veras!" San Blas is celebrated on the 3rd of February so we have been keeping our eyes out for all of the Urdaibai storks.
Now we have some good news. The nest in Kortezubi/Arteaga will soon be getting a makeover. The stork pair, named Mauricio and Filomena by local people, has been sighted.

Mauricio & Filomena, 2023
We are hoping that this pair has better luck than last year, when they abandoned the nest after a period of incubation. We do not know why this was an unsuccessful year for them. In 2023, however, their nest was bursting at the seams!

Kortezubi/Gautegiiz Arteaga,2023
The pair which nest on top of Andra Mari church in Gernika has also returned. Last year they succesfully raised two chicks so let's hope this continues.

Gernika,2024
As yet, we have no news about the pair in Forua. Last year they also had a good year as three chicks fledged successfully.

Forua, 2024
The presence of these breeding storks in Urdaiabi is due to the Lurgaia Foundation recovery program that was carried out from 2003 to 2008. Its main objectives were the recovery of the white stork in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and the reinforcement of the population in Bizkaia. 38 individuals were transferred from the Vallcalent Wildlife Recovery Center (Lleida) and brought to Urdaibai. These young storks that had been in this recovery center for various reasons (falling out of the nest, disorientation during the first flight, etc.) Instead of being released in Catalonia they were donated for the recovery of the population in Bizkaia.Having been cared for in an aviary for two consecutive winters they were later released in Urdaibai. As we can see, the recovery programme has been successful.
After the winter months, the return of the storks brings us hope and the sense that life is about to bloom again. The changing of the seasons and the rhythms of nature bring us joy and connection. Spring is coming and the storks are getting ready.

Over the next few months, we'll be following the progress of the stork families in Urdaibai. We´ll keep you updated! |