Storks and NLCs Return in 2012

These Noctilucent Clouds (NLCs) were photographed on June 17, 2012 in Szubin, Poland. On top of the pole in the foreground are nesting storks. Each year in late spring-early summer, thousands of storks (Ciconia ciconia) arrive in Poland for nesting. Their arrival coincides with the summer onset of noctilucent clouds. Image courtesy of Marek Nikodem.