The storks' nest is pleasantly empty
Thursday, the 14th of August, Mr. Middle and Miss Little flew about 20 kilometers into the heavens in an Eastern direction and remained some tens of kilometers from the nest near the town of Kaarepere. What stopped them were rain clouds and the rain which came with them. The stork chicks' departure was followed by eagleman Kristo, Mr. Middle's backpack transmitter enabling the tracking. Kristo promised to begin searching for the signal again in the morning.
Around four o'clock Donna visited the nest 
Now the nest will likely remain empty, and now seems the right time to publish Canadian stork-watcher Baibre's story, which touches on many facets of a stork-watcher's experience. Baibre is one of the Hancock Forum's regular contributors.
August 13, 2008
As for our thread, if you think of the scope of our members from Estonia, Hungary, Finland, Poland, England, Canada, The United States and Australia (hope I haven't missed one), and all the observations, pictures and videos we have amassed, it is truly amazing and can/will be used in understanding and protecting these beautiful birds. With our different time zones the nest is being watched nearly 24 hours a day, and so brought these beautiful birds to a worldwide audience!
But also, we have learned so much about each other, our countries, customs, ideas and respected them. We have discovered differences yes, but also how much we are all alike. It has truly been an international experience which I believe has enriched us all.
We have also shared fun things, even silly things, made each other laugh... and yes, the drama of the hatchings, sadness and shared tears - we have become friends. And neither language nor distance has prevented that. It is truly an amazing achievement!
It will be sad when our two remaining storks leave us, but somehow I believe we will stay together, here, remembering, and waiting for next year's experience
Bairbre
Ontario,Kanada
