World Migratory Birds Day
Long Journeys in the Sky and the Story of Yaren Stork
World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated every year on the second Saturday of May to celebrate the extraordinary and courageous journeys of migratory birds, while also drawing attention to the dangers they face. Migratory birds travel thousands of kilometers each year, crossing oceans and following sky paths that connect countries in order to survive.
However, these difficult journeys undertaken by migratory birds are increasingly facing greater threats. Problems such as climate change, environmental pollution, habitat destruction, hunting and urbanization pose serious threats to the lives of migratory birds. The reduction of wetlands and forests in particular eliminates places where these creatures can safely take a break and recharge.
Türkiye is located on one of the most important routes for migratory birds due to its geographical location. For this reason, it hosts millions of migratory birds every year. When it comes to migratory birds in our country, one of the first names that comes to mind is undoubtedly Yaren Stork.
Yaren Stork is known for the extraordinary friendship she established with fisherman Adem Yılmaz (Uncle Adem) living in the Karacabey district of Bursa. This friendship story begins with Yaren coming to Karacabey every year in March and continues until August. Every morning, Yaren lands on Uncle Adem's small boat and they go fishing together. This natural bond that forms between them deeply affected not only the residents of Karacabey but also all of Türkiye and the world press.
This friendship between Uncle Adem and Yaren is actually a very valuable example of how humans and nature can exist in harmony. Yaren the Stork has become a symbol of the loving relationship that migratory birds can establish with humans in their difficult struggle for life.
World Migratory Bird Day is an important opportunity to share beautiful stories like these, as well as the difficulties migratory birds face in their struggle for survival, with a wider audience. Let's not forget that their future and the balance of nature are in our hands.
On this special day, there are many things we can do to ensure that migratory birds can continue to fly freely and live safely. It is our responsibility to protect nature and take care of these beauties.
