Everyone was waiting for Yaren the stork, but his mate arrived: Yaren's mate Nazlı is in the nest

The excitement of migration, awaited with curiosity every year in the Eskikaraağaç Stork Village in the Karacabey district of Bursa, has begun. While Yaren the stork, known for the bond he formed with fisherman Adem Yılmaz, was expected to arrive in the village for the 15th time this year, his mate Nazlı reached the village in the morning hours and landed in the nest.

Nazlı the stork was spotted in the nest on the roof of Adem Yılmaz's house.

YAREN'S MATE NAZLI IS IN THE NEST

The arrival of Nazlı the stork in the village was recorded by wildlife photographer Alper Tüydeş. Tüydeş shared the following statements along with the photos he posted on his social media account:

"Eskikaraağaç Stork Village welcomed its first guest today. Yaren the Stork, who has captured hearts, is not around yet, but his mate Nazlı arrived early again this year, landing in the nest in the morning and on Uncle Adem's roof in the afternoon. This has also refreshed their record of arriving as early as February 27th."

With Nazlı's arrival, the wait for Yaren the stork's return has begun in the village.

THE ONLY VILLAGE REPRESENTING TURKEY IN THE EUROPEAN STORK VILLAGES NETWORK

Eskikaraağaç Stork Village holds the distinction of being the only settlement representing Turkey in the European Stork Villages Network. Located on a route where tens of thousands of storks pass during the migration season every year, the village also hosts resident storks.

THE STORY BECAME A DOCUMENTARY AND WON AN AWARD

The long-standing friendship between fisherman Adem Yılmaz and Yaren the stork is closely followed by nature enthusiasts. The story was filmed in 2019 by director Burak Doğansoysal with the contributions of the Karacabey Municipality. The documentary was deemed worthy of the "Best Documentary" award at the Prague Film Awards.

Last year, a monument of fisherman Adem and Yaren the stork was commissioned by the Karacabey Municipality, immortalizing the story in the village square.

A FLOOD OF VISITORS EVERY YEAR

The friendship between Yaren the stork and Adem Yılmaz has also increased tourism activity in the village. Nature lovers who hear the story visit Eskikaraağaç Stork Village every year. Among those who have come to the village to see Adem Yılmaz and Yaren are figures such as Ata Demirer, Aslıhan Gürbüz, and Yıldıray Şahinler.

The Karacabey Municipality also launched the website www.yarenleylek.com so that the nest where Yaren the stork and his mate reside can be watched live 24/7.

 Thus, Yaren the stork can be followed in real-time by those waiting for him.

News Source: 12punto