Saxony's young storks have apparently left for the south a little earlier than usual this year. "Overall, this year's migration appears to be about one to two weeks earlier than usual," said a spokesperson for the state association of the German Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (Nabu). The first test flights had already taken place in mid-June. According to Nabu, more than 130 storks were counted on a field near Rußdorf in the district of Zwickau at the beginning of August, with around 80 birds leaving the area a little later after using the thermals - i.e. after warm updrafts had enabled them to ascend with less effort.
Between upswing and danger
River floodplains, pond landscapes and extensively farmed agricultural land remain typical focus areas for Saxony's stork population. Regional increases in the Delitzsch-Eilenburg area and in the district of Leipzig are striking, while in the Elbe region around Torgau some established nests have remained unoccupied. In the long term, the loss of suitable feeding areas - for example due to land sealing - remains a relevant risk.
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