Key points
- The storks Hrytsyk and Odarka returned to their nest later than usual due to unfavourable weather conditions.
- During their absence, the nest was occupied by a new young pair of storks.
- A clash occurred between the birds, and Hrytsyk sustained a minor injury.
- Storks have a strong territorial instinct and protect their nests.
- The young pair of birds can choose another nest nearby.
- The first eggs of Hrytsyk and Odarka are expected after Easter.
In the village of Leliaky in the Poltava region, the stork pair Hrytsyk and Odarka returned to their nest in Pyriatyn National Park and drove out the younger birds that had settled there during their absence. A conflict arose between the storks, according to Anatolii Podobailo, a research officer at the park, who spoke to Suspilne.
He explained that the birds had been delayed during their spring migration due to unfavourable weather conditions in the Balkans. During this time, a new pair – Lel and Kvitka – had taken over the nest.
Odarka returned first and drove out the other female. The next day, the male, Hrytsyk, arrived and clashed with Lel to defend his territory.
Hrytsyk was injured by Lel during the fight, and there was even some blood. This is actually normal – storks do fight to the point of bleeding. Since the bleeding wasn’t severe, only the feathers were stained, everything should be fine.
– Anatolii Podobailo.
Experts note that such behaviour is typical for storks, as they have a strong territorial instinct and always return to ‘their’ nest.
These conflicts are common in spring, when birds form pairs and prepare to breed.
According to Anatolii Podobailo, the young pair that lost the nest can move to one of the free nests nearby. During the autumn-winter period, the park set up four new nests, which are already occupied by birds.
Despite suggestions from viewers of the livestream to install an additional nest nearby, specialists advise against it. Too close a proximity could trigger new conflicts between the birds.
Currently, Hrytsyk and Odarka are restoring their nest. Experts expect the pair’s first eggs to appear after Easter.
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A conflict erupted in a stork nest in Lelyaky due to the return of last year’s nest owner Odarka
