Black stork back in the region – offspring spotted!

Black stork back in the region – offspring spotted!

Surprise in the sky over the region: A rare black stork has been spotted and apparently has offspring with it. Over the last few days, nature lovers noticed a pair of these impressive birds flying near water bodies. The Heligoland bird observatory even gave one of the storks a ring, which makes its origin and further path valuable. The Nature Conservation Association of Germany (Nabu) is active on site and is closely examining the situation of the black storks. According to their observations, there are many indications that the couple has raised offspring, which only increases the joy among those interested in ornithology. The Rhine Palatinate reports on this exciting discovery.

The Black Stork, or in LatinCiconia nigra, is a large walking bird that is characterized by its impressive wingspan of 173 to 205 centimeters. Its shiny black plumage and white underparts make it a real eye-catcher. The red color of the beak and legs of the adult birds is another striking feature. The species is not endangered and is part of the German Red List, where it is listed as endangered. In Europe it is even classified as “not endangered”, as the information from the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation underlines Bfn.de.

Around the habitat

Where does the black stork actually live? These magnificent birds prefer low-disturbance deciduous and mixed forests close to water, forest meadows and swamp areas. Particularly protected nesting locations are usually in tall stands of old wood, where the storks build their nests. Their breeding season extends from mid-March to the end of August, with nest building beginning in March or April and the offspring hatching in the following weeks. A black stork usually only becomes sexually mature in its third year of life and believes in monogamous seasonal marriages Lfu.bayern.de.

The distribution of black storks has expanded significantly in recent decades, particularly in forested low mountain ranges in Europe. From the Rothaargebirge region to the Allgäu, their breeding populations in Germany are now documented at 300 to 350 pairs, estimated for Bavaria and a 20% increase from 1975 to 1999. The courting nature of these birds is particularly evident in the months March to July, when they look for an undisturbed breeding area.

Threats and protective measures

Despite the positive developments, black storks face challenges. The loss of suitable breeding and feeding habitats due to environmental changes and human activities are major threats to this species. Disturbances during the reproductive period can also be stressful for the storks. To protect their habitats, various measures have been taken, including the creation of shallow ponds to create new habitats, the renaturation of water bodies and the creation of nest protection zones. Collaboration with forest managers is also crucial to minimize disruption Bfn.de.

The return of black storks to our region and the raising of offspring gives cause for hope and shows how important it is to preserve natural habitats.