The stork season ends when the summer ends in August. By now the youngsters are mature enough to prepare for the great migration south. The direction of migration is instinctive as the young birds are able to find their way to Africa without any guidance from older birds. Approximately a week after the youngsters have said goodbye to their place of birth, the older birds follow.
Storks actually dislike flying. They prefer gliding through the air. They would not even be able to reach Africa flying without gliding; it is a matter of life and death. Storks are able to fly great distances quickly while beating their wings as little as possible. Their migration route is actually their gliding route. Just like gliders, they use warm air currents (thermals).