7/23 A face-to-face encounter between Królewicz and an adult Goshawk. Both birds were aware of each other's strength and showed mutual respect. This standoff—without any physical contact—lasted a long time, nearly 10 minutes. Ultimately, the black stork backed down and flew off first. The young were not at the nest at the time; had they been, his defensive reaction would have been far more intense—much like the time he literally chased off a White-tailed eagle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIRTZXiAB4Q

There could hardly be a better outcome for Królewicz at this stage. All FOUR juveniles fledged on 23 July, and Skierka followed on 25 July. Only now has his parental duty of feeding the young come to an end, allowing him to focus on rebuilding his own strength before the journey to Africa.

Królewicz will probably remain here for a few more days, or perhaps a couple of weeks, feeding before setting off on migration.

This successful breeding season is, to a very large extent, thanks to this outstanding, highly efficient hunter and exceptionally hard-working male. (from Forum)
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Yesterday's take off of Królewicz after he spent about 2 hours, 40 minutes at the nest https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6a9dd241551b939133f11e640810d3f45162d741359cf1a53f899b767e1f03e4.png
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/fe4a50a4e23442dc4f4f841452c7806b4b3406e437b360758c482476643845fc.png

In fact, Królewicz (pic) was in the nest today from 9:27 to 12:08, so for about 2 hours and 40 minutes. Dad was in an empty nest, and Mom was already on her way south. All four kids were last seen at July 23. Goodbyes are always sad…😔
I wish this family a safe flight, the kids a happy future, and I'm looking forward to seeing Skierka & Królewicz again next year!💕 https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/669ebaebd81c6eb0b7b00d8b73dd7c352d3583c3dba7dc908ee937031c50ca8c.png

When it comes to food, all the kids are usually in the nest. Otherwise, it's hard to see all four of them at home at the same time. 16:01 https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9ce5aa7bdf1549fa9c6a6ce1ece9b7ba6c9e177473dba1ce9d133a258794f8be.png

Age at permanent departure
• Average: 87 days
• Range: 73 to 108 days

Only two storklets spent the night in the nest https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/28e60ac5f0e5dbd84085c474d7644c52946109253715532ab6a40e0b6dc65fda.png
All kids at home, maybe waiting for breakfast https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/521b9b708e430a19a767f76bf6515f37edcda196696d093a85ef2a4bc5594963.png

Dad Królewicz is feeding three of his kids in the nest. The (probably) fourth one is flying by down below. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e483632985a0d6966870305d8ffbed634860b018937287ae51cb667fdec48f03.png
In chat, someone wonders why this kid isn't in the nest, too, and receives the response: "These are their first flights; they have to learn—it's not that easy to “find” their way back to the nest."

Three home for the night https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c7cecefb1452482b6a3b4e8dde69b8d6e6afd442f032fc74ca5af0f9f28ec9ef.png