Bursa village transforms into a sacred haven for storks
In the picturesque landscape of Bursa, Turkey, lies the village of Karaoglan, which has recently gained attention for its remarkable stork population. Known traditionally as the "water buffalo village," Karaoglan now holds another title—the most stork-populated settlement in the region.
Situated on the shores of Lake Uluabat and the Kirmasti Stream, Karaoglan offers storks an ideal habitat. The close proximity to these water bodies provides an abundance of food, essential for the storks during the breeding season.
The surrounding agricultural lands further enhance the village's appeal to storks, offering a diverse diet of insects and rodents. This combination of food sources supports a large stork population, with over 32 active stork nests found in Karaoglan, eight times the number in Eskikaraagaç, Turkey's famous "Stork Village."
During the breeding season, Karaoglan hosts an estimated 200 storks, equating to at least one stork per two homes in the village. Ergün Kısa, the village headman, has stated that the storks love living in Karaoglan due to its favourable conditions.
The annual event of storks circling above the village before migrating is referred to as a "farewell tour" by the locals. This ritual has added to the village's charm and attracted global attention, with documentaries and media coverage highlighting the unique bond between Karaoglan's storks and its residents.
One such famous stork is Yaren, who has a unusual companionship with a local fisherman in Eskikaraagaç. Yaren's story has sparked global interest, further elevating the profile of storks in the region.
As Karaoglan continues to attract storks and visitors alike, it serves as a testament to the harmony between humans and nature, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
In the quaint village of Karaoglan, home to a thriving stork population, locals and tourists alike enjoy a unique home-and-garden lifestyle, enhanced by the picturesque lake and stream surroundings, providing a rich home-and-garden ecosystem for the storks. The diverse food sources in this agricultural land, including insects, rodents, and the abundant waters of Lake Uluabat and Kirmasti Stream, support a abundant stork lifestyle within the village.
