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Storks set off: hope for a safe journey south!
Current developments on the stork situation in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: departures, breeding numbers and protective measures for 2025.
Storks set off: hope for a safe journey south!
The time of departure has arrived in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. After a less than ideal breeding year, the first white storks are making their way to their winter quarters. The stork protector Helmut Eggers from Lübtheen is keeping an eye on his two protégés, who are equipped with transmitters. Thanks to the currently prevailing high pressure situation, the storks have ideal conditions for their gliding south. But experts fear that the year 2025 could go down in history as a disappointment.
This year, 103 pairs of storks bred in the Altkreis Ludwigslust region and in the Neuhaus district, of which 82 were successful and raised a total of 175 young animals. Although these figures are comparable to the previous year, the overall balance is still rather sobering. The spring drought made itself felt and caused many storks to return from their winter quarters too early. Finding food was difficult at first because many of them couldn't find enough food.
Stinging nest statistics with light and shadow
The number of breeding pairs and fledging storks suffered not only from unfavorable climatic conditions, but also from dangers posed by human infrastructure. In Eastern Europe, especially in Romania and Bulgaria, many storks fall victim to medium-voltage power lines. Helmut Eggers is therefore planning a trip to identify sources of danger and work with local stork protectors. He wants to arrive in Bulgaria in ten days.
International white stork census
While the storks' record in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is rather cautious, there is encouraging news on an international level. The results of the 8th International White Stork Census are already available from 40 of 55 participating countries, including Germany. The preliminary figures show a positive trend with a total of 330,000 breeding pairs, with evaluations in other countries continuing until 2025. Final results are expected by fall 2025, and experts hope trends remain positive.
The white stork is a truly adaptable animal that primarily inhabits wet meadows and pastures. The population declined sharply in the 20th century due to various factors, but dedicated stork enthusiasts have contributed to the revival of the population since 2003. Protection and support measures are still essential in order to secure the successes of the last decades in the long term. Volunteers monitor breeding sites and ring nestlings in order to identify threats in good time - an important task as collisions with overhead power lines remain one of the greatest dangers for the storks.
Nature shows itself in its whims, and while this year was not the optimal year for the storks in MV, on a broader level there is certainly hope for a positive development of the population. We must continue to be attentive to the needs and protection of these majestic birds.