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In a small lakeside village in northwestern Türkiye, residents mark the arrival of spring with the return of a stork.
For 15 years, a white stork named Yaren has flown back to Eskikaraagac, a village in Bursa’s Karacabey district, and landed on the fishing boat of 70-year-old fisherman Adem Yilmaz.
Their unlikely bond has drawn national and international attention. It has inspired documentaries and films. Millions follow their reunion each year.
This week, anticipation began earlier than expected.
Nazli, Yaren’s mate, returned to the village 20 days ahead of schedule, according to Turkish media reports on Feb. 25. Her arrival was captured by drone as she settled first on the nest and later on the roof of Yilmaz’s home.
Eskikaraagac represents Türkiye in the European Stork Villages Network.
Each migration season, villagers and wildlife enthusiasts wait for Yaren to reappear and perch on Yilmaz’s boat, as he fishes on Uluabat Lake.
Yaren is expected to arrive for the 15th time this year.
Wildlife photographer Alper Tuydes shared images of Nazli’s return on social media, writing:
“Eskikaraagac Stork Village welcomed its first guest today. Beloved Yaren Stork is not yet around, but his mate Nazli arrived first again this year, landing on the nest in the morning and on Uncle Adem’s roof in the afternoon. This also refreshed their earliest arrival record of Feb. 27. Now all eyes are on Yaren.”
Adem Yilmaz said he first met Yaren 15 years ago while fishing.
“Yaren landed on my boat while I was fishing. I kept giving him fish. Since that day, we became friends,” he said.
“I was very happy that Nazli arrived. Nazli came 20 days early. I am happy, but I am waiting for Yaren’s arrival with great excitement. If nothing has happened to him, I am looking forward to his coming.”
For many outside Türkiye, the story may sound simple.
A migratory bird returns to the same village each year, and a fisherman greets it. But the consistency of the encounter has turned it into a symbol of seasonal continuity and cross-species trust.
Last year, Yaren arrived on March 15, while Nazli reached the nest two days earlier. This year, Nazli’s earlier-than-usual appearance has raised hopes that Yaren may follow within days.
Yilmaz said storks usually arrive in the first week of March. He recalled that the earliest previous arrival was Feb. 28.
“If he is alive and nothing has happened to him, Yaren will come with at most a one-week delay,” he said. “I miss him very much. My eyes are on the road.”
Well, the nest in Eskikaraagac is no longer empty. The village has welcomed its first stork of the season.
Residents and followers across Türkiye and beyond now wait for the familiar sight that signals spring: Yaren landing once again on a fisherman’s boat.
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