Ornithology - Many bird species endangered - ospreys on the rise
The strictly protected Fisher Eagle is becoming more common in Saxony. While there were 45 to 55 territories counted in 2013, there were 100 to 110 in the previous year, according to the State Environment, Agriculture and Geology Agency in response to a dpa inquiry. In addition, birds that can be observed temporarily during migration were reported in the region.
The Fisher Eagle is a medium-sized bird of prey. It grows up to 62 centimeters long and builds large nests in tree crowns. As its name suggests, it feeds exclusively on fish. It spends the winter months mainly in Africa and returns to its breeding grounds in the spring. The Fisher Eagle population in Germany is endangered.
Protection zones around eagle nests
In Saxony, the occurrence and breeding success of Fisher Eagles are documented annually. Nesting sites are also offered, and temporary special protection zones are set up around the nests to prevent disturbance during breeding. According to the agency, Fisher Eagles mainly inhabit heathland and adjacent landscapes in this region. Some pairs have also settled in the mountainous region.
All eagles occurring in Saxony are reportedly protected to the highest standards. In addition to the Fisher Eagle, the White-tailed Eagle breeds in the Free State. There are currently 85 to 95 known territories of the White-tailed Eagle, mainly in the Oberlausitz region, it was stated. Rare guests or migratory birds include the Osprey and the Viper Snake Eagle.
Washbears plunder bird nests
Approximately 180 bird species breed in Saxony every year, and about a dozen more have sporadic breeding records. Around 40% of these species are endangered, as the spokeswoman of the agency, Karin Bernhardt, explained. This includes the Kestrel and the Lapwing, the Reed Bunting, the Skylark, the Ortolan, the Stonechat, and the Pied Wheatear. The Lapwing and the Skylark, which have benefited from brown coal mining in the past, were also listed. They are at home in mining landscapes, but the suitable habitats are becoming smaller due to natural landscape changes and new land uses. A growing problem for bird conservation is the spread of Washbears, Bernhardt explained. They raid nests on the ground and in trees.
Some bird species have already gone extinct as breeding birds in this region in the past decades. This includes the Red-legged Partridge, the Great Bustard, and the Common Sandpiper.
- The Fisher Eagle, a migratory bird species, spends its winter months in Africa and returns to its breeding grounds in Saxony during the spring.
- Nature conservation efforts in Saxony have resulted in an increase of the Fisher Eagle population, with 100 to 110 territories reported in the previous year.
- In addition to the Fisher Eagle, other bird species like the Osprey and the Viper Snake Eagle can be observed temporarily in Saxony during migration.
- German environmental agencies, such as those in Saxony, implement protection measures for endangered bird species, like creating special zones around eagle nests to prevent disturbances during breeding.
- While Germany has a diverse bird population with around 180 species breeding in Saxony annually, some species, like the Red-legged Partridge and the Common Sandpiper, have gone extinct as breeding birds in the region within the past decades.
