You may have seen them when you look up: for the past few days, hundreds of storks seem to be colonizing the Valais sky. After having been seen recently in the Chablais, near Collombey-Muraz, then in the region of Viège, these birds made a stopover in Crans-Montana on Thursday.
Several inhabitants of the region have sent us photos or videos which show these individuals sometimes perching on roofs and cranes, sometimes spinning at full speed above the Haut-Plateau.
According to Jérémy Savioz, ornithologist and director of Pro Natura Valais, this phenomenon is extremely rare. “The last time it happened was regarding fifteen years ago in the Orsières region, where around 150 individuals had been observed. In central Valais, this is undoubtedly a first.”
Destination the south
According to the specialist, these birds might come from Germany and northern Switzerland, where there are large populations. This time of year is when they begin their migration south, and specifically to Spain, where many will spend the winter.
These storks were observed Thursday morning in Crans-Montana. Reader Indicator
“Usually, storks avoid the mountains and follow the Zurich-Bern-Geneva axis,” explains Jérémy Savioz, who is unable to explain the reason for this detour via the Alps. “Since the weather has been good all over the country in recent weeks, it is in any case not the weather conditions that have pushed them to Valais. Frankly, the reason for their presence with us is impossible to determine as it stands.
This crane in Crans-Montana served as a perch. Reader Indicator
What is certain, however, is that the storks will not lose sight of their final destination. To reach the south, they will probably pass over the Valais Alps. “But another hypothesis might be that they are going up Chablais and the Lake Geneva region in the coming days to continue their journey.” If you haven’t already, take a look above you, and maybe you’ll catch the eye of one of them.