Stork Spottings in Alsace

In December 2007, I visited Alsace, my hometown region. Even though I am Alsatian, I knew little of the area or its traditions. The more I learned about it, the more I grew to love it. One of my discoveries is storks. Ever since learning about storks’ connection to Alsace, I have been on the lookout for one. Storks are the regional bird of Alsace. They are painted on buildings, figurines appear at door entrances, and are on countless souvenirs. Why did the stork pick Alsace as home? Alsace had lots of marshlands before WWII. This made for perfect conditions for storks. It is also a perfect location for their winter migration from Northern Africa. With later commercial development, the marshlands, although still here, have largely disappeared. And so did the storks. By 1970 there were very few to be seen. Thankfully, in 1983, Alsace opened a couple of stork sanctuaries.

Another Alsatian favorite of mine is the village of Riquewihr. In 2007, I was awed by the Christmas lights, mulled wine, gigantic pretzels, ornaments, wooden incense smokers, and an old world European Santa Claus sighting. Today, in April 2023, I planned another visit. I was a bit worried it would not hold the same magic and wonder it did when I first visited.

While we were driving to Riquewihr, I casually looked out the window. To my great surprise and delight, I saw a stork quietly feeding in the Dreiwasser River. Fearing the stork would vanish if it heard me, even though I was a good 40 yards away, I whispered, “Michael, look!” Within 15 seconds, I saw about 25 more. I was thrilled! I thought that was the last of it but the storks had another surprise waiting for me in Riquewihr.

Riquewihr is still the same enchanting village I remember. Walking through the large stone gate into the walled village amidst numerous vineyards was still like stepping into a fairy tale. Beaming with brightly-colored half-timbered houses and cobbled streets, there are so many charming spots. I needed to remind myself to stop taking pictures and enjoy the scenery. After all, pictures never capture the emotions I feel at the time.

On the main street, my eyes were drawn to the top of a building. A nest! Two storks in the nest! They were welcoming me. One was squatting in the nest while the other kept a careful eye on their surroundings. I could not stop smiling nor take my eyes off of them. Folklore says that seeing a stork in his or her nest brings you happiness and good fortune.

Storks are mute but they are not quiet. They make a clattering sound by opening and closing their beaks. And it can be loud. The one keeping watch (which I named Felic, a French name meaning happiness), called out to me. Even though I don’t speak Stork, I knew he was telling me he didn’t mind my hanging out as long as I wanted. Which I did. At one point, two other storks flew by perhaps to catch a peek at their new neighbors. They didn’t dare come too close because Felic is an excellent guard stork.

As I leave him in Riquewihr, I take the happiness and good fortune bestowed upon me. As for Felic, he will continue to grace all who see him. I may be leaving him behind, but his doppelganger is hanging onto my backpack as I travel on.