15-Year Friendship Between a Turkish Fisherman and a Stork Named Yaren Is Facing Another Farewell As the Bird Prepares to Migrate to Warmer

In Eskikarağaç Stork Village in the Karacabey district of Bursa, Turkey, Yaren and her mate Nazlı returned on Feb. 24 and brought five chicks into the world this season. The chicks left the nest on Aug.

6 and 7, signaling that Yaren would also depart for migration earlier than usual this year. Four years ago, Yaren moved her nest to a pole right next to the home of Adem Yılmaz, known as "Adem Amca" (Uncle Adem), and began living at the doorstep of her friend. The bond between Yaren, who often lands on his boat to eat fish, and Yılmaz has grown stronger each year.

Now, as migration time approaches, a sad parting awaits Yılmaz. Yaren will head to warmer countries, while he will look at the empty nest throughout the winter and wait for his friend to return in spring. Yılmaz noted that Yaren usually migrates at the end of August but said this year's departure would come earlier.

Yaren's leaving here truly saddens me deeply. All winter long, I have no choice but to look at the empty nest in front of my house and wait for her to come back. When March and April approach, I am filled with great joy thinking she will come again, but at the same time I worry and fear that something might happen to her on the way.

I experience both joy and worry together, he said. Yılmaz also expressed happiness that Yaren and Nazlı ate fish from his boat together this year and said he hopes Yaren returns healthy in spring.