‘Uncle Adem’ meets up with ‘Yaren stork’ for 14th time
Yaren the stork perched about the fishing boat of Adem in Bursa province completing their 14th consecutive year together on March 15, 2025. (AA Photo)
In the rural Eskikaraagac Village, located by the picturesque Uluabat Lake in the Karacabey district of Bursa, a symbolic and touching reunion took place for its 14th year. Yaren, the stork that has become a beloved figure in the area, once again landed on the fishing boat of Adem Yilmaz, the man with whom it shares an extraordinary bond.
This marks the 14th year of their friendship, a unique and heartwarming story that continues to captivate both locals and nature enthusiasts alike.
Special friendship with Yaren the stork
Yaren the stork, renowned for its bond with Adem Yilmaz, arrived at the village once again during the migration season. Yaren the stork, a member of the European Stork Villages Union, has been a regular visitor in Eskikaraagac for years, returning from its migratory journey from sub-Saharan Africa.
Upon its arrival, Yaren landed on the traditional fishing boat of Adem Yilmaz, as it has done each year. This moment was beautifully captured by wildlife photographer Alper Tuydes, showcasing Yaren’s “traditional” pose on the boat, against the stunning backdrop of the lake.
Adem Yilmaz greeted Yaren with a warm welcome, standing as he awaited the stork’s arrival. Yaren’s mate, Nazli, who shares the same nest as Yaren, also resides in the area.
For those who wish to observe the storks up close, live cameras are available at yarenleylek.com, offering a 24-hour live stream of the stork’s activities.
Waiting nervously for Yaren’s return
Adem Yilmaz expressed his relief upon seeing Yaren return after days of anxious waiting. He explained that he had been worried about Yaren’s safety as it had not arrived on its usual timeline.
“Yaren generally comes at the beginning of the month, and when it didn’t show up, I feared something had happened to it. I spent a week in sorrow, thinking it might have faced danger on the way. But thankfully, Yaren has returned. We’ll be together until August, and I will make sure to feed it and ensure it lives a happy life. This morning, it came to my boat and ate the fish I had brought for it,” Yilmaz said.
The bond between Adem Yilmaz and Yaren has become a symbol of loyalty and affection, capturing the hearts of many. This reunion also caught the attention of Türkiye’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Ibrahim Yumakli.
He shared his thoughts on social media, highlighting the significance of the reunion. “Spring has arrived, and the longing is over. The reunion that warms our hearts has once again occurred in its 14th year. Despite the separation, Adem Amca and Yaren the stork have come together again, proving that love and loyalty transcend all,” Minister Yumakli wrote.
Fascinating migration of storks
The migration of storks, particularly the white stork (Ciconia ciconia), is one of nature’s most remarkable phenomena. These birds travel thousands of kilometers, from their breeding grounds in Europe to their wintering grounds in sub-Saharan Africa. They usually follow two main routes: the western route through the Strait of Gibraltar or the eastern route through the Balkans and the Middle East, which goes through Türkiye.
The journey of the storks can cover up to 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) and typically takes about two to three weeks. As migratory birds, storks take advantage of thermal air currents to help conserve energy during their long flights.
However, climate change is having an impact on their migration patterns, with some storks choosing to remain in warmer regions year-round because of the milder winters, especially in areas like Anatolia, where they can find sufficient food and comfortable conditions.
Bond that transcends species
The story of Adem Yilmaz and Yaren the Stork serves as a testament to the unique bonds that can form between humans and wildlife.
It’s a beautiful reminder of the importance of nature, friendship, and the deep connections that can transcend the barriers of species. For those lucky enough to witness this annual reunion, it’s a heartwarming sight that continues to inspire and delight.
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