Too kind to Storks Part 1
In many countries one of the most commonly known birds is the stork. There are about 17 varieties and all of them are from 30 to 60 inches in length with long necks, broad wings and short tails. Their nests are usually huge; some are as wide as six feet. They add to the same nest year after year. Some nests weigh as much as 1000 pounds, breaking tree limbs and platforms or other supports that bird lovers have built for them on a roof, chimney or wall.
The Creator has given the African and Asian storks instincts to migrate north to Europe (as far as 6000 miles) to spend the summers and to return to their southern homes when cold weather comes. And this is where we learn about being “too kind to storks.”
Many people in Europe enjoy having the storks in summer. They pamper them with special food, saving the storks the trouble of finding their own. Over the years the storks have become so used to the constant food supply and rely so much on it that many don’t leave on their southward migrations, disregarding this God-given instinct. The result has been that when freezing weather comes it is too late to fly south, and more and more die of the cold each winter.
So while people think they are being kind by feeding these birds, they are really interfering with the storks’ normal way of life and are the cause of many dying. Isn’t that sad? It makes us think of the Bible verse that says: “My son, fear thou the Lord . . . and meddle not with them that are given to change: for their calamity [trouble] shall rise suddenly.” Proverbs 24:21,2221My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: 22For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both? (Proverbs 24:21‑22). It does not pay to interfere with God’s purposes.
Storks are a spectacular sight with their long legs, wide wings and long, pointed beaks. They are strong fliers and make quite a picture in the air with their necks extended and legs outstretched, soaring like eagles on their broad wings. Let’s briefly describe a few of the species:
OPENBILL STORKS: Back feathers of these are deep black, their other feathers are a rather dull pink, and their beaks a rough brownish color. They live almost entirely on large round snails found under water and are named “openbill” because the Creator has given them special beaks to handle these snails.
MARABOU: These make their home in eastern Africa. They can hardly be called beautiful, for they are not only the largest but also the ugliest of all storks. An odd feature is their pouches hanging down from their throats to their legs. These pouches look like big red sausages when they fill them with air. Acting like vultures, they eat mostly dead animals or birds. In some areas they rob flamingo nests, eating both the eggs and the little ones, a habit most people object to.
We will take a look at some other varieties in the next issue.
ML 01/14/1990