A stork miracle: Krefeld celebrates the return of the white storks

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in Krefeld is currently about returning a special species of bird that was considered lost in the region for a long time. Alexander Kirch, a committed hobby ornithologist, has accomplished a little miracle through his initiative to settle storks in his garden. On the edge of the city, in its extensive garden, a stork nest has created the two young storks, which are lovingly called Pauli and Blaui. Kirch, who is currently inspecting the nest with the help of a lift, enthusiastically reports on the development of the animals. He just wants to attach a ring to the leg of the one young stork in order to be able to track his movements later.

However, this success story has its roots in a long and sometimes desperate effort of nature conservation. About two hundred years ago there was the last documented breeding attempt by white storks in Krefeld. Intensive agriculture and the destruction of their habitats almost led to the extinction of these majestic birds in North Rhine-Westphalia. In 1991 there were only three breeding pairs in the entire region.

The Renaissance of the white storks in Krefeld

But nature, you say, always finds a way. The 1990s brought about change: nature conservation associations, farmers and authorities began to create and optimize moist habitats to offer the storks space and food sources. Michael Jögbes, an ornithologist of the North Rhine-Westphalian ornithological company, emphasizes the importance of the search for food: "Without sufficient small waters and wetlands, the stork cannot survive and therefore do not breed." After 35 years of joint efforts, the environmentalists are pleased with a population of over 800 breeding pairs in North Rhine-Westphalia for 2024.

The return of the storks is not only a success for nature conservation, but also a reason for joy for the residents. Bird observers find ideal conditions along the Rhine rail from Duisburg to the Dutch border to observe the elegantly flying white storks. These animals, which were once considered rare, have become part of the landscape again.

A family project with great importance

The Horst von Kirch has meanwhile developed into a popular place of observation, not only for the family, but also for the neighbors. Kirch tells with a smile: "When we had the idea of ​​building a stork nest, many smiled. Nobody believed that storks would have returned." But the reality looks different: the family proudly looks after the nest and even installed a webcam to be able to follow the first moments of life of the young storks live.

The storks have become special neighbors for the church. Again and again they watch the parent birds flying and feeding their boys. But the time of the young storks in his parents' nest is limited, because in mid -August they are ready to break into their own life. The question that many arises: will Pauli and Blaui come back to Krefeld one day?

The return of the storks is an impressive example of the power of nature conservation and the commitment of individual citizens who help to save threatened species through concrete measures. Every ring that is attached to the legs of the storks tells a story, and it is precisely these stories that arouse hope and illustrate the importance of community efforts in nature conservation.

The decline in white storks: causes and follow

The dramatic decline in the white stork population in North Rhine-Westphalia and other parts of Europe in recent decades can be attributed to several causes. Before that, large breeding colonies were observed in the 19th and early 20th centuries. However, with the increasing urbanization and intensification of agriculture, the number of breeding pairs began to decrease sharply. In addition, the use of pesticides in agriculture led to a decline in food resources that are essential for the storks. In the period before the conservation measures, the number of breeding pairs in NRW had dropped to a historical low.

The habitats of the storks were additionally stressed by the cutting of landscapes through streets and buildings. Wet areas that serve as breeding and food areas were drained and converted into agricultural areas. This interaction of factors led the white stork in many regions to be threatened with extinction. In some areas, the survival of the stork was so endangered that measures to protect and rebuild its population were essential.

conservation measures and their effect

The conservation measures that have been taken in recent decades show positive results. The expansion of wetlands and artificial nesting places, as well as the creation of food rooms in agriculture, have made a decisive contribution to the return of the storks. In close cooperation with farmers, nature conservation organizations have identified the areas that are important for storks. In North Rhine-Westphalia, these projects have led to an increase in breeding population by more than 300 %.

In addition, there are initiative programs that enable farmers to redesign their areas to support storks. These measures include, for example, the creation of trenches and wetland biotopes that serve the storks as hunting and nesting areas. The return of the storks is therefore not only a sign of the success of nature conservation work, but also an important contribution to biodiversity and the ecological balance in the region.

Current inventory figures and perspectives

Current estimates show that the stocks of the white storks in North Rhine-Westphalia continue to develop. According to the report of the Ornithological Society of North Rhine -Westphalia, the number of breeding pairs could be over 800 this year - a brand that was recently reached over 200 years ago. This positive development is considered encouraging by scientists and conservationists because it indicates increasing stability and an improved balance in the ecosystems.

The state of conservation of the white storks is observed closely, and it is important to protect and continue to upgrade the existing habitats. The connection between agriculture and nature conservation remains crucial in order to ensure the success of the previous efforts in the long term. Nature conservation associations and citizens in regions such as Krefeld play a central role in monitoring and when passing on information that is necessary to protect these impressive birds. The future of the white storks in Germany seems promising as long as the efforts to maintain their habitats are continued.