The Story of Our Stork

Just as spring belongs to Dvorce, so does our stork Karel. Every year he returns to his chimney, and we always look forward to his arrival. And this year, we can already see him standing in his nest, clacking his beak, and looking around... and what’s more: with a new love! Související čtení a další inspirace najdete také na Wake up to the sound of birdsong in a place where time slows down and tranquility begins, Spring Stay at the Dvorce Guesthouse a Ubytování v penzionu.

Want to hear a few juicy details about Karel’s love life?

Over the years, he’s been through a lot with us—and even though he’s had bad luck with partners, he’s always taken care of the nest: 💔 We didn’t even get a chance to name the first female stork—one day she flew off to warmer climes and never returned. 💔 Then came Lenka from Veselí nad Lužnicí. They sat on the eggs together. Unfortunately, after the chicks hatched, Lenka was hit by a truck…

And here comes the unbelievable part: 🦸‍♂️ Karel took care of the baby storks all by himself! He fed them, protected them, and eventually successfully raised them all out of the nest. A brave and devoted dad, just as he should be.

🕊️ This year he has a new female stork—we don’t yet know where she flew in from, but experts are coming to check if she has a ring on her leg. She’s come to visit us.

🔍 Did you know that storks lay 3–5 eggs and both parents care for them? The chicks hatch after about 33 days and stay in the nest for roughly 2 months. Here, chicks hatch every year—and we’re already eagerly waiting to see how many there will be this year.

🌍 Did you know storks can travel up to 10,000 km before returning home? They spend the winter roaming Africa, often through Sudan or Chad, and then return to Central Europe via Gibraltar or the Bosporus. Karel is simply amazing for managing this every year.

Next time you drive past Dvorce, look up at the chimney—you might spot Karel or his new mate. And if you’re lucky, you’ll even hear that characteristic clacking of the beak—that’s the stork’s greeting to you, too. 🙂