MALE STORK OF THE 'RODIC FAMILY' RETURNS TO BRATUNAC

A male stork from the beloved Bratunac "Rodic family" has made its triumphant return, flying over 15,000 kilometers from Africa back to its nest in Bratunac. Nestled comfortably in the nest crafted by bird enthusiasts several years ago near the Health Center building, this stork is causing quite a stir among locals.

PHOTO: SRNA

For the past fifteen years, a pair of storks has made Bratunac their summer home, feasting on the marshes and along the Drina River, nurturing their young. Affectionately dubbed the "Rodic family" by residents, these storks had previously constructed a nest that was unfortunately destroyed during the demolition of an old building near the Health Center.

Nature enthusiast, ecologist, and retired fishery supervisor, Boban Filipovic, has been diligently monitoring and protecting these birds for over a decade.

He notes that the male stork, following tradition, was the first to arrive to spruce up the nest and prepare a warm welcome for its female counterpart, expected to arrive in a few days.

The return of the Rodic stork has brought joy to the people of Bratunac, particularly the children who find it to be an extraordinary attraction. Many have brought food offerings and left them by the nest's pole, while children eagerly watched the male stork's movements and nest preparations.

It is anticipated that the female stork will hatch offspring again this year, and come autumn, the small flock of storks will embark on their seasonal migration, leaving Bratunac for warmer climates until the following summer.