The stork is the symbol of Alsace

The stork is the symbol of Alsace; the white stork is an integral part of our cultural heritage and is very important to the people living in this part of France. There are many stork's nests on the roofs of our houses, on the spires of our churches and on the towers in our Alsatian towns and villages.

The stork is regarded as a bird of good omen, and the most famous symbolism associates it with births. It is the stork that brings us our babies!

This beautiful, majestic bird, with its long, pointed beak and black-and-white plumage, is a great migrant, which heads off in late autumn to the milder climate of the south of France or other countries further south.

Its return to our Alsatian lands during February – sometimes even as early as late January – to build its nest also heralds the arrival of spring.

Storks particularly appreciate the abundant wildlife in our region, with its wet meadows and pastures providing them with plentiful food, including amphibians (frogs, toads, tree frogs, newts, etc.) and other small aquatic animals.

This beautiful, large wading bird is considered a symbol of good luck in the homes where it has built its nest, and it is a protected species.

In HUNAWIHR, the Naturoparc site is now a large wildlife park covering 5 hectares, dedicated to the conservation of several endangered local species, including the white stork.