Post by pandora on May 9, 2009 20:19:45 GMT
BBC NEWS
Rare stork makes surprise visit
A rare white stork has checked in for a surprise visit at a Northumberland caravan park.
The bird, which has a wingspan of more than 3ft (1m) was spotted at Haven Holidays' Haggerston Castle Holiday Park, near Berwick.
It was seen flying from one roof to another, and scaring off seagulls
and other birds.
White storks are not native to Britain, and there are only about 20 sightings a year in the UK, mainly in the south.
They breed in mainland Europe and winter in Spain and North Africa.
'Beady eye'
It is thought the bird was blown off course by winds.
aye, me too!
Gordon Walker, the park's general manager, said: "It decided to have a rest on the roof of one of our caravans in the showground.
"I'm not quite sure if it was looking to buy but it seemed to have its beady eye out for something."
Storks are known for erecting their nests on buildings, and it is thought this is behind the legend they are responsible for delivering babies.
Mother-to-be Emma Roberston, from Aberdeen, who arrived with her husband for a break at Haggerston Castle, said: "I'm six months pregnant so I hope the stork doesn't deliver my baby just yet."
© BBC MMIX
Rare stork makes surprise visit
A rare white stork has checked in for a surprise visit at a Northumberland caravan park.
The bird, which has a wingspan of more than 3ft (1m) was spotted at Haven Holidays' Haggerston Castle Holiday Park, near Berwick.
It was seen flying from one roof to another, and scaring off seagulls
and other birds.White storks are not native to Britain, and there are only about 20 sightings a year in the UK, mainly in the south.
They breed in mainland Europe and winter in Spain and North Africa.
'Beady eye'
It is thought the bird was blown off course by winds.
aye, me too!Gordon Walker, the park's general manager, said: "It decided to have a rest on the roof of one of our caravans in the showground.
"I'm not quite sure if it was looking to buy but it seemed to have its beady eye out for something."
Storks are known for erecting their nests on buildings, and it is thought this is behind the legend they are responsible for delivering babies.
Mother-to-be Emma Roberston, from Aberdeen, who arrived with her husband for a break at Haggerston Castle, said: "I'm six months pregnant so I hope the stork doesn't deliver my baby just yet."
© BBC MMIX