The red kite is wintering more and more frequently in Saxony. As reported by the Neschwitz bird observatory, 306 of these birds of prey were counted in the Free State at the beginning of this year. This is why it is now referred to as an "annual bird" instead of a "migratory bird". The highest number of 150 birds was recorded in northern Saxony. According to the association, only a dozen red kites wintered in Saxony in 2010.
"A migratory bird always chooses the safest route," said the chairman of the bird observatory, Winfried Nachtigall. According to the motto: "Do I stay or do I move on?", the bird of prey makes a decision that depends on the weather conditions. Due to climate change, however, the mild winter in Saxony seems more attractive than the dangers of migration.
As a result, the red kite is increasingly opting for Germany, Nachtigall explained. "Should heavy snow surprise the bird of prey, the red kite has enough strength to escape the weather and fly 200 kilometers further."
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