Stork Flight

The white stork is one of the best-loved birds in Slovenia, and its stronghold is Prekmurje, the flat northeastern corner of the country, where the combination of wet meadows, ponds, rivers and traditional villages provides ideal conditions. Storks arrive from Africa in spring, usually in March or April, repair or rebuild their huge stick nests on chimneys, rooftops, poles and purpose-built platforms, and raise their young over the summer before departing again in August or September. Villages in Prekmurje are proud of their stork families, and some are known for the number of nests. The lake of Bukovniško jezero, an artificial reservoir near Kobilje in the hills of Goričko, is one of the places where visitors can enjoy them.

The lake itself is a quiet, attractive place. It lies in a hollow among forests and meadows, with wooded slopes around it, and it was created by damming a stream, so it has a natural look despite its origins. In spring and summer, wetland and forest edge combine to attract many birds, and storks can be seen hunting in the nearby meadows for frogs, insects and small mammals, or flying overhead on their broad black-and-white wings, with legs trailing behind and long necks stretched out. Because storks need warm air to soar, they are most active in the middle of the day, and the best chance of seeing them in flight comes on a sunny day when thermals rise from the fields. Watch quietly and from a distance, particularly near nests, as disturbance can make parents abandon their young. Binoculars are very helpful.

Easy walking trails lead around the lake and through the woods, and interpretive signs explain the storks' habits, the region's biodiversity and the importance of wet meadows. The trail from Kobilje to the lake is a pleasant approach, and the Chestnut-beech forests along the way are lovely in autumn. The area also has an Energijski Park and a Pustolovski Park, an adventure park, and a number of Energy Points and so-called Dragon lines, which are described as radiesthetic phenomena. These are matters of belief rather than established science, and visitors may take them as local folklore or as an invitation to relax. The Chapel of St. Vid and Vid's kut add a touch of local legend and give a destination for a short walk.

The best months for storks are April to August. The lake suits families, birdwatchers and walkers who like quiet landscapes. Bring binoculars, water and insect repellent. During the season, the Stork Flight above the lake is the highlight. Whether you watch for an hour or a day, Slovenia’s storks are a sight.