The White Storks of Lithuania

Yes, I realize that Lithuania is not anywhere near Long Island.  And I also realize that we do not have any storks here on Long Island.  Our nearest stork population is, in fact, Florida.  However, our friends Darek and Sheryl just forwarded this picture to me.  I thought it was so great, I wanted to share it.

The name Stork is the feminine form of the Hebrew word for "loyal one; one of loving kindness."  This description fits the stork well, as it is noted for its tender care of its young.  They said the storks nest every summer in the area where they live.  Lithuania is a country in northern Europe, sharing a border with Poland.  Storks winter in Africa.  These birds are 40" to 50" tall with a wing span of 61" to 79".  They must be quite a sight atop their nests!  They may use the same nest from year to year, adding to it.  Some nests have been as large as 6' across and 10' deep.  They feed on frogs, fish, small reptiles, grasshoppers and locust.  Something else that is quite amazing is that storks are almost silent.  They communicate by noisy, mutual bill-clattering when adults meet at the nest.  (Hmmm, I wonder what these storks are talking about!)


Thank you Darek and Sheryl for this great shot.  It certainly honors the one who created all things, Jehovah!