Bird conservationists: Animals surprised by the onset of winter

Environment - Bird conservationists: Animals surprised by the onset of winter

The early and sometimes heavy onset of winter in large parts of Bavaria has also surprised many birds. Groups of white storks in the snow are currently attracting attention, said Angelika Nelson from the Bavarian Bird and Nature Conservation Association (LBV) in Hilpoltstein in central Franconia on Monday.

There was an unusual observation from the Nördlingen area in Swabia: There, a black stork had joined a group of already known white storks. "The fact that individual black storks spend the winter in Bavaria is a rare phenomenon," said LBV stork expert Oda Wieding.

The fall was particularly mild this year - a trend that has been emerging for years as a result of the climate crisis. Some bird species are therefore increasingly trying to spend the winter in Bavaria or delaying their journey south. "But they are also taking a certain risk," said Nelson. All the snow makes it difficult for the animals to find food. In principle, however, it is normal and a sign of intact nature for animals to take risks in order to potentially gain advantages if they are successful. "A few snowy days shouldn't be a problem for most birds."

According to the LBV, anyone who still wants to help the birds can, for example, put up a feeder in the garden. This is particularly beneficial for granivorous bird species such as nuthatches and tits.

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1. Despite the early onset of winter in various areas of Bavaria, several animal species, including some birds, are unexpectedly staying put, such as white storks seen in snowy landscapes.
2. The environmental organization LBV in Hilpoltstein, Swabia, has reported an unusual sight in Nördlingen: a black stork joining a group of white storks, a rarely observed occurrence for birds in the region during the winter.
3. The early onset of winter and mild fall conditions this year may be contributing to the trend of some bird species choosing to stay in Bavaria during the winter months or delaying their migration south, although they face the challenge of finding food in the snowy environment.
4. Bird conservationists from the LBV encourage residents to help preserve bird populations by putting out bird feeders in their gardens, providing much-needed food sources for species like nuthatches and tits during the harsh winter weather.
5. The debate on animal conservation continues, with many environmental organizations advocating for measures to mitigate the impact of climate change on wildlife and promote the survival of diverse species like the white and black storks that call Bavaria home.

Source: www.stern.de