Interactive Flight Map

Where are our Storks?

Below is a beta version of an App for visualising the White Stork flights. It is currently designed for viewing on laptops/tablets -we’re working on a mobile version

  • Hit the Play button on the left panel to see the collective journey of all storks over time.
  • Pause and restart flights by clicking on the date/time at the top of the left panel.
  • For individual exploration, return to the start time, then use the selection boxes to toggle specific birds on or off.
  • Left-click and drag to tilt and rotate the map, offering a bird’s-eye view of the storks’ flight heights.
  • Right-click and drag to navigate the map on your screen.
  • Use the mouse wheel or drag two fingers on your mouse pad to seamlessly zoom in and out.
  • Click on the map in the bottom right to toggle between the satellite image and a map view.
  • Easily return to the satellite view by clicking the satellite image again.

Feedback Matters: Help us enhance your experience. Share your thoughts and suggestions by contacting us through the Contact Us page.

Note: Currently featuring storks from this year, with more additions and details planned for the future. Stay tuned for updates.

Stork Profiles

All of our storks are equipped with identifying rings: blue project rings on the left leg, starting with ‘GB’, and smaller metal BTO rings on the right ankle. However, to foster a deeper understanding of our storks, we have named some of them. As you observe our storks, you’ll notice a pattern in their names. The project commenced in 2016, and storks introduced that year have names beginning with the letter ‘A’. Those from 2017 carry names starting with ‘B’, and this pattern continues. For instance, storks hatched in 2023 are distinguished by names beginning with ‘H’ as you’ll see below. 

The Adventurous Explorer

Henry (GBA5)

GBA5 and his brother GBA6 on their nest at Knepp in June 2023, close to fledging.

GBA5 and his brother GBA6 on their nest at Knepp in June 2023, close to fledging.

Fledged in July 2023 from Knepp’s first-ever nest, GBA5 is a male stork with Polish roots. Raised by parents GB5F and GB87, he faced challenges, including visits from a turtle dove and a woodpecker. Observed and ringed in June 2023, GBA5’s journey began as he and his brother, GBA6, left the nest in July.

GBA5’s maiden flight over the south coast led to foraging adventures in Knepp’s grassy expanses. In August, he ventured to Portsmouth and later joined a stork group in Kent, showcasing strong foraging instincts. Attempted migration in September faced challenges at Dover, but he explored the south coast, eventually making an unusual migration crossing to France in mid-October.

Witnessing GBA5’s first hatch in over 600 years and tracking his solo flight over the channel showcased the project’s success in reintroducing and nurturing free-flying storks.

Sussex’s Resident Forager

Hector (GBA9)

GBA9 is shown facing forward being watched by his father. Photograph by John Hamilton 27th May 2023

GBA9 is shown facing forward being watched by his father. Photograph by John Hamilton 27th May 2023

A male stork, GBA9, emerged from Knepp’s second-ever nest in 2023, alongside siblings GBA7 and GBA8. His parentage involves a male from Poland and a female from France. GBA9’s journey began with regurgitation observed in April, signifying successful hatching. Unlike some counterparts, he chose not to migrate in his first year.

Throughout Sussex, GBA9 foraged with fellow storks, venturing to Havant and Ramsgate. His winter months were marked by regular sightings at Knepp and Wadhurst Estate, showcasing a preference for staying closer to home.

Captured in a nest photograph, GBA9, alongside nest mates, reflects the hard work of parent storks in providing abundant food and defending against intruders. The decision not to migrate in his first year adds an intriguing dimension to GBA9’s story.

The Ground Nest Pioneers

Hugo (GBC6) and Hazel (GBC7)

GBC6 and GBC7, Two very special chicks with completely different personalities hatched within a ground nest at Knepp.

Two very special chicks with completely different personalities hatched within a ground nest at Knepp.

Ground nest pioneers GBC6 and GBC7, hatched in Knepp’s first-ever ground nest in 2023. Both storks resulted from rehabilitated parents GB56 and GB05, unable to fly due to previous injuries. The siblings showcased distinct personalities from the start.

Satellite tagged on July 7, 2023, both chicks fledged the same day. Despite questions about their behavior, the siblings migrated across the channel after exploring the south coast, affirming the project’s success in fostering natural instincts in rehabilitated storks.

GBC7, the female, displayed wariness toward humans, often playing dead upon observation. In contrast, GBC6, the confident and vocal male, eagerly snatched up food. Close monitoring through a camera trap allowed the team to understand and appreciate the unique traits of each chick.

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