Have you ever seen a black stork? The majority of storks arriving in the sptring in Europe and in my country in particular are white. They can be seen on the fields or in the nests in the villages. But black ones are rarity. They, unlike their white cousins, avoid close encounters with hunans.

I was planning one day during my lunch break to pay a visit to the white stork family. This year I haven't seen them yet and if I wait a little longer, the young birds will be grown and out of the nest. Last year I did several posts about them. The nest is bulit on a long chimney and not far from my office. It would be a shame if I miss this year to go there and see how the family is doing.

I was just out of the office, raised my head to look at the sky and something big was flying above. Camera ready, pointed and... oh my, it was a black stork!

I have a chance to see a flock of black storks this spring. Their flock was small, not like the white ones, who are hundreds, even thousands. Also the black stork is smaller.

It's been luck to be just at the right moment outside the office and to see this bird passing by above my head.

To get an idea about the difference between the black and the white stork I made this collage. All shot from below.

After I watched the bird gracefully disappeared, I was off to see the nest. I kept my eyes peeled and then it was another big bird that draw my attention. It was like the master of the sky, not in a hurry, just casually flying with slow flaps of the wings - the Short-toed snake eagle. His main diet is snakes, hense the name and obviously the bird has short toes. Haven't seen them. Shame, it was midday and the raptor very close to the sun, photos aren't good enough. But I am going to show you some anyway.

Now, I am in front of the chimney and for my delight the parent was feeding the youngsters. This time they are three, while last year there were two of them. After the parent flew to gather more food, the siblings stretched their legs and let me get them all three in a frame.

Don't forget the Bum contest - SMaP😄👇

The meal has arrived, oh, how hungry they are.

I don't know if this means - Lunch is over, kids. But look at the next photo, how the bird can bend its neck backwards and clatter with its beak.

I made so many photos, it would be worth to create another post. And probably go again and check on the little ones, who soon be learning to fly if they haven't started already.

That's all for now. Till next time and happy birding!

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