Fireworks at the concert in Ludwigsburg canceled due to endangered night heron!

Fireworks at the concert in Ludwigsburg canceled due to endangered night heron!

A special event is just around the corner for music lovers in Ludwigsburg: the popular Klassik Open Air will take place on July 19, 2025. Originally planned was a brilliant fireworks display to crown the evening, but the joy about it had a bitter aftertaste because the fireworks display was canceled due to the protection of a rare bird species. How Stalk reported, the reason for this is the night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), a bird species that is becoming increasingly rare in Central Europe.

The Ludwigsburg district office has officially banned fireworks after experts from the higher nature conservation authority of the Stuttgart regional council analyzed the situation. The night heron has its only occupied breeding site in Baden-Württemberg on Cupid Island in Monrepos Castle Lake. The first breeding attempts have already taken place there in 2023. The experts fear that the fireworks could drive the heron from its nesting site, a concern reinforced by previous observations: after such acoustic disturbances, fewer night herons were spotted in the area.

The night heron under pressure

The night heron is a fascinating bird. With a body size of between 58 and 65 cm and a weight of 727 to 1,014 g, it is one of the larger birds in the region. Its grey-black plumage, red eye color and white decorative feathers during breeding season make it unmistakable. Due to its crepuscular and nocturnal lifestyle as well as its habitat in moist lowlands and riparian zones, it has adapted perfectly to its environment. Unfortunately, the situation for this bird species is alarming. The night heron is on the Red List of endangered breeding bird species, which underlines its need for protection, according to an analysis by Federal Agency for Nature Conservation.

The district office had initially hoped that the night heron's breeding activities would be completed by the concert date. However, in a joint discussion between representatives of the regional council, the city of Ludwigsburg and the district office, it was found that even relocating the fireworks would not be enough to avoid significant disruption. The fate of the night herons and possibly cared for young birds was at stake.

A win for nature

The fireworks will therefore not take place on July 19th, but the concert itself can go ahead as planned. Classical music does not pose a threat to the night heron's breeding season. This case shows once again that nature conservation and cultural events do not have to be in contradiction. The night heron situation is an opportunity to raise awareness and show how important it is to protect endangered species.

For the listeners of the Klassik Open Air this means: Enjoy the music, even if the fireworks are canceled. Nature will thank the organizers - and perhaps the night heron will also sing along when the first sounds of classical music blow through the castle park.