More Black Storks in Lower Saxony - Young Black Stork Found Dead in France, but Recovery Signs Emerge in Lower Saxony
A young black stork from the Harz Soest Valley has been found dead in France, a setback for the endangered species. However, the news comes amidst signs of recovery for the bird in Lower Saxony.
The black stork population in Lower Saxony has seen significant ups and downs in recent years, with dry years and food shortages taking a toll. Conservation efforts are underway, including renaturation of moor forests, creation of ponds, designation of resting areas, and construction of artificial nests. These efforts seem to be paying off, with 24 young black storks reported this year, compared to 13 last year, and a long-term average of around 20.
This year, a newly built artificial nest in the Harz Soest Valley was quickly inhabited by a pair of black storks, resulting in five young birds being raised. Tragically, one of these fledglings was found dead in France. Before its death, the young bird was observed in The Hague and later in West Brittany. Despite this loss, two other young birds from the same nest have been sighted in Spain and France respectively, indicating a successful fledging season.
While the death of the young black stork in France is a cause for concern, the overall increase in the number of young birds in Lower Saxony is a positive sign. Conservation efforts are showing promise, and it's crucial to continue these initiatives to protect the critically endangered species.
