In Tekirdağ’s Naip village, the annual return of a stork from Africa to Türkiye marks the arrival of spring and brings joy to the locals. For the past 20 years, the stork has chosen the same spot to nest, becoming a beloved neighbor and symbol of the village. This year, it nested on a pole installed by the local authorities in the village square, allowing round-the-clock monitoring via a camera installed by the Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks.

Serdar Gök, a 65-year-old resident, expressed fondness for the stork, calling it their “best friend” and mentioning the anticipation for its chicks. The stork’s presence has also drawn visitors to the village, enhancing its charm and appeal.