Storks celebrate comeback: record numbers in Lower Saxony and Bremen!

Storks celebrate comeback: record numbers in Lower Saxony and Bremen!

Numerous storks can be observed in the damp meadows of Lower Saxony and Bremen this summer. The current survey of the NABU nature conservation organization shows that the population of these majestic birds has a pleasant increase.

According to Volker Blüml, a representative of the NABU state working group Weißstork protection, Lower Saxony and Bremen has around 2,300 nest pairs this year. Compared to 2023, when only about 2100 couples were counted, this represents a significant increase. Based on the reports of voluntary white stork supervisors, it is estimated that between 4,000 and 4,500 young storks in this region saw the light of day. In the previous year there were around 4100. "The breeding success per couple is a bit lower this year," explains Blüml.

Distribution of storks is increasing

The statistical surveys show that most storks live especially in the districts of Cuxhaven, Wesermarsch, Verden and in the Hanover region. A remarkable increase in the nest pairs was recorded in the district of Cuxhaven, where the number of 265 couples rose to 289 in the current year in 2023. These positive trends indicate that the demanding living conditions for the animals are obviously improving.

"The white stork has been spreading to the west again for several years," reports Blüml. The NABU also observes that in 2024 there are also significant growth in central parts of the country such as the Nienburg district, the Hanover region and in the Elbe-Weser area. The high rainfall this year in particular could turn out to be advantageous for the stork population. Despite the challenges due to heavy rain events that led to the death of young animals, the flood reduced the number of field mice and thus created balanced conditions in the food chain for the storks.

In general, the moist weather ensured that there was no shortage of earthworms and amphibians - important sources of food for the storks. Your nutritional basis is therefore more busy.

rescue and maintenance of the storks

The volunteers of the LAG Weißstork protection Lower Saxony/Bremen play a crucial role in observation and protecting these storks. They not only document inventory development, but are also ready in emergencies to help. These activities are particularly important because the white stork in 1988 experienced a dramatic decline when only 217 couples were counted. Since then, the population has recovered and stabilized year after year.

In addition, there is an interesting change in the train behavior of the storks. More and more birds that traditionally flew to Africa are now hibernating in Spain, Portugal, France and increasingly also in Germany. This could also be an indication of the increasing adaptability of these animals to the changing climatic conditions.

The current developments related to white storks are not only a pleasant aspect for conservationists, but also a sign of successful conservation measures. These numbers and observations confirm the efforts to protect and preserve these impressive birds, which circle over pastures and fields and thus express a piece of closeness to nature. Further information on this topic can be found in a current report on www.abendblatt.de .