Disaster on Lake Constance: Thousands of swallows threaten to starve!
Disaster on Lake Constance: Thousands of swallows threaten to starve!
The current weather conditions on Lake Constance are a serious threat to the migratory birds there. Already now thousands of swallows are stuck in the region, since they are unable to continue to fly to their winter quarters in the south due to persistent precipitation and lack of winds. The Baden-Württemberg Nature Conservation Association (NABU) warns that the situation could tighten if the weather does not improve soon.
The swallows and wall sailors are particularly affected, which normally pull south in colder weather to find food. According to the NABU swallow representative Rudi Apel, the stranded birds are in acute danger to life. These weather conditions, persistent rain and a lack of warmer air currents prevent the birds from crossing the Alps. "A large part of the swallows are already on the go, but those who are waiting for better weather are in acute danger," said Apel.lack of food and extreme weather conditions
The migration of migratory birds serves above all to eat, since they do not find enough insects in cold months. Apel emphasized that the cold was only part of the problem - the swallows were emaciated and had hardly any energy. This leads to an extreme thinning of the birds, which are waiting over Lake Constance. The consequences could be devastating, this is a potential mass loss of life.
NABU pointed to an example from Austria, where thousands of swallows had to carry out emergency landings due to sudden weather changes and in many cases death or death. Apel emphasized that such a situation has not occurred in the past 17 years. As soon as the conditions do not improve, the swallows on Lake Constance also face a similar catastrophe.
uncertain consequences for the swallow stock
The future development of the swallow population in Baden-Württemberg is currently difficult to estimate. While some areas have stable populations, there were significant declines in other regions. Expert estimates indicate that areas such as Aspach, Bretzfeld and Freiburg remain relatively constant, while regions such as Bad Säckingen have a dramatic decline in their swallow populations.
How the current location on Lake Constance will specifically affect the swallow population in the country remains to be seen. The NABU sees the need for an improved bird and nature conservation policy to prevent a further decline in this kind. Another example is the Auerhahn, which is also before extinction and thus illustrates the urgent need for action.
The precipitation should soon decrease, which may give the birds the chance to continue their trip. For the thousands of swallows that are considered a harbing of spring, it is to be hoped that the weather situation will turn to better in time.
For further information on the current developments on Lake Constance and the effects on the swallow stock, a look at the reporting of the NABU could be useful, where details and recommendations for better protection of migratory birds are offered.
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