Spring has arrived: large flock of rooks spotted over Nugush in Bashkortostan

A large flock of rooks—about 200 birds—was spotted over the Nugush reservoir, according to the "Bashkiria" National Park. Some of the birds circled in the sky, while others perched in the trees.

In Russia, rooks have long been considered the first messengers of spring. Starlings usually return with them, most often in mid-March.

"The chill is no hindrance to these birds. Now the rooks are re-occupying the trees where they establish their noisy colonies and are tidying up old nests. They return to their usual spots, repair their 'homes,' line them with grass, and bring in twigs, dry branches, animal hair, and other natural materials," the "Bashkiria" National Park shared.