The Stork ("Aragil" in Armenian) is traditionally considered a sacred bird in Armenian legends and mythology, and it was regarded as the messenger of Ara the Beautiful, as well as the defender of fields. As such, the stork has often been a source of inspiration from the times immemorial, revered in ancient folk tales and folk songs. Storks characteristically nest near humans and symbolize luck, fertility and prosperity in Armenia.

From late March to August every year, a great number of breeding white storks descend onto wetland-adjacent villages in Armenia, settling into big nests, where they will hatch nestlings and teach the babies to feed. These storks use Armenia as a stopover point to breed on their long journey south from western Europe to their winter grounds in Africa.

Every single telephone pole, chimney and rooftop in Hovtashat, Surenavan, Hayanist and many other villages in the area, holds an enormous stork nest. These nests are a staple pride and joy of these communities. White storks are very vital to these lands, since the Ararat region, being Armenia’s bread basket, having a threat to its agriculture from pests such as mice, which storks normally eat.

The storks are usually attracting a number of tourists who stop to see the hundreds of nest-topped pols and swooping graceful birds, on their way to visit regional monasteries.

We will gladly arrange your trip to the stork populated villages near the Ararat Valley wetlands. For more information, please contact us at info@phoenixtour.am