A Rare Sight: European Storks Grace Thaba Eco Park
21st February 2025
Thaba Eco Park has welcomed some very special visitors this week—over 100 European storks! This marks the first time these elegant migratory birds have stopped over at the park, a thrilling moment for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike.
Why Are the Storks Here?
Recent rains have turned parts of the park into temporary wetlands, creating an abundance of frogs and insects—an irresistible feast for these long-distance travellers. While these wetlands are short-lived, they provide a vital feeding ground for many species during their seasonal cycles.
The Storks’ Long Journey
Every year, European storks migrate thousands of kilometres from Europe to Africa, seeking warmer climates and richer food sources. Along the way, they rely on safe stopovers like Thaba Eco Park to rest and refuel. As summer in the Southern Hemisphere comes to an end, they will make their way back to Europe to breed and raise their young.
A Privilege for Thaba
It’s not every day that we get to witness such a magnificent natural event in the heart of the city. Seeing these storks take a break at Thaba is a reminder of the importance of preserving natural spaces—even within urban environments. By maintaining diverse habitats, we continue to attract and support wildlife on their incredible journeys.
So, next time you take a walk through Thaba Eco Park, look up—you might just catch a glimpse of these majestic travellers before they set off again!
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3 Comments
This is awesome! Must’ve been an awesome sight to witness!
Absolutely. Interesting fact for me to learn of the migration from Europe to Africa.
This is wonderful to know that these storks are spending time at Thaba… remarkable!