Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

The warm weather tricks storks into wintering in Bulgaria

Photo: Georgi Argirov, Radio Kardzhali

Severak storks, considered harbingers of spring, have already arrived in the village of Petelovo near Kardzhali. Already at the end of last year, the birds were spotted by local residents, and their appearance became known after photos on social networks. 

"They have been here for at least 20 days, landing in different nests, as if they can't find their place," say local residents. 
The storks are considered a good sign in the village, as people assume that the birds were most likely fooled by the warm weather and went to their nests. People wonder if they ever made it to the warmer latitudes where they usually spend the winter. 

The situation is unusual, because none of the inhabitants of Petelovo remembers seeing storks as early as January. People are afraid that the winter is not over yet and the temperatures may go down, and the permanent cold may prove to be disastrous for the migratory birds. ‎

"Increasingly, there are reports of spotted storks wintering in Bulgaria," say the ornithologists from the Wildlife Rescue Centre for Green Balkans in Stara Zagora and add that most probably these birds did not migrate at all south, or are birds from a more northern population.‎



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Bulgarian Christmas Campaign raises funds for high-tech equipment for the treatment of children

The 22nd edition of the "Bulgarian Christmas" charity performance will take place tonight at the Ivan Vazov National Theatre. The initiative is held under the auspices of Bulgaria’s Head of State. The theme of the campaign is "Giving Hope to a Child in..

published on 12/25/24 5:10 AM

Merry Christmas from Radio Bulgaria!

Dear friends, We at Radio Bulgaria send you our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas!  May your hearts overflow with joy, your homes be filled with love, and your days be bright with laughter. Wherever you are in the world, we hope that you..

published on 12/25/24 12:05 AM

The animals at the Burgas Zoo are awaiting gifts from Santa Claus

On December 25, Santa Claus will be giving gifts to the animals at the Burgas Zoo. There will also be a festive tour of the zoo and a zoo quiz with gifts for the children, said the Municipality of Burgas. The event is part of the zoo's festive..

published on 12/23/24 6:50 AM