First Storks Arrive to Zemplinske Hradiste from Africa

Zemplinske Hradiste, March 24 (TASR) – The first storks have already arrived to the village of Zemplinske Hradiste (Trebisov district, Kosice region), a village that is known by the locals as ‘Storkopolis’, TASR learnt on Friday.

According to the village’s mayor, Jan Olah, storks have arrived from Africa earlier than usual.

“They reached the village on the first day of spring, so we take them as apostles of spring. We are very pleased that they’ve arrived in large numbers when compared to previous years. Out of the 24 places available they’ve filled four nests. It’s still a bit chilly here, storks are exploring the terrain, but they’re here,” said Olah about the four storks that came to the village.

The mayor went on to say that people await the storks every year and that it’s an event for them. “There is more of a joyful atmosphere in the village, as they (the storks) form a part of it. They are ‘like our fellow citizens’. It’s our pride,” he added.

Zemplinske Hradiste is an important ornithological site in Slovakia, as the largest colony of white storks dwells here. Moreover, the village is unique for its number of active nests in Slovakia.