Storks in a field near Nyon, Vaud, Switzerland

Stork Spotting Near Nyon

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Table of Contents
  1. And Finally

A few days ago I was sitting at a desk when I noticed unusual shadows on the tiles outside. I went to see what was causing them. When I looked up I saw hundreds of storks flying in circles above my home. They were heading towards Geneva. I considered getting on the bike and trying to follow them, to see if they would land. I didn’t.

Yesterday I finally had the discipline to take things to be recycled and on the way back I looked to my right, at a field, and I spotted storks again. This time I drove around, found a good place to park and then walked up to the storks to take a few photos.

Other people also stopped to appreciate the unique opportunity. I saw a mother and her child or two, as well as one car from Geneva. Another car had come in the opposite direction.

It’s the second time in less than a week that I see a flock of storks, and this time I could walk nice and close. I was tempted to walk into the field to try to get better photos but thought better of it. I don’t want to get in trouble for bringing muddy shoes into the apartment building for the first time in years.

And Finally

If I went to them by car, rather than by foot the answer is simple. They stop for a few minutes, until they get spooked. The sooner you stop to observe them, the less likely they are too fly away just as you get there.

While cycling I see plenty of herons, from up close, so to see storks is a special treat.