Storks

Storks are large wading birds with a long, straight bill and long legs, famous for their huge nests built on rooftops, pylons and trees. In flight, they are easy to recognise: neck stretched forward and broad wings with black tips. They often soar in circles, riding thermals. In the wet meadows and marshes of the Vendée, you can see them walking calmly in search of frogs, lizards and large insects — but they also take on grass snakes and eels.