A Flock of Cigognes

The cigogne blanche, French for white stork, is one of the largest birds in the world.  It averages nearly 3 feet in length, with a wingspan that can exceed 6 feet.  The official symbol of Strasbourg, they’re often seen in Alsace, the region neighboring Franche-Comté and bordering Germany.  Just after dinner recently, a large phalanx of more than 30 cigognes paid a visit to our village.  To our delight, they decided to hang around for a while; settling on roofs, in the treetops, and just about any available perch they could find.