Storks conquer Wangen: Live webcam shows exciting nest life!

Storks conquer Wangen: Live webcam shows exciting nest life!

In Wangen, a picturesque town in the Allgäu region, the return of the white storks has captured the hearts of residents since 2004. The tour of the old town, which was recently led by bird expert Gerhard Lang from the Nature Conservation Association (Nabu), highlighted the successes and challenges that these iconic birds face. The live webcam at the Kornhaus was also presented at the event, offering viewers a direct insight into what is happening in the nest. The return of storks began with a brave pair of storks in 2004 who attempted to build a nest after the last stork was seen in the region in 1643.

Despite the unfortunate circumstances - the female died during the breeding season and the male was provided with chicken eggs to stay in the city - there was some progress. There were many tragedies and setbacks: A young stork that was hatched in an incubator only survived because it was sent to the colony on Affenberg Salem, where it also ultimately died. When another pair returned in 2014, the weather had a disastrous effect on breeding conditions, and the Garden City could only hope for one stork out of three in 2015. However, recent years have brought positive news, with two survivors in 2024, one of whom flew to Spain.

Current situation of the storks

There are currently a total of six nests in Wangen, three of them in the old town on the Kornhaus, Rathaus and Milchpilz and three on the Erba area. Further stork nests are recorded in Neuravensburg and Obermooweiler. Recent observations show that adults care intensively for their young, suggesting that offspring are being produced in each nest. The live webcam provides fascinating insights as the young storks stay in the nest for around six weeks before they make their first attempts to fly.

• Drei Nester in der Altstadt: Kornhaus, Rathaus, Milchpilz
• Drei Nester auf Erba-Areal: Kamin, Linde bei der Neuen Spinnerei, Waldorfkindergarten
• Weitere Nester in Neuravensburg und Obermooweiler

Stork protection and challenges

The increase in the stork population in the region is encouraging. There are currently around 2,300 breeding pairs in southwest Germany, with Isny ​​home to around 20 pairs. The main reasons for this comeback include successful breeding programs and a lack of natural enemies due to climate change. Nevertheless, the Ministry of the Environment warns of a decline in other native bird species, which are also threatened by habitat loss.

According to the LBV nature reserve, white storks require a suitable food source consisting of moist meadows, ponds and extensively cultivated areas. During the breeding season, a family relies on up to 4.5 kg of food per day. Unfortunately, intensive agriculture causes food shortages, which continues to threaten the storks. In addition, power lines are a significant source of danger, as over 50% of storks in Bavaria die from collisions or electric shocks. To halt the decline, the Bavarian White Stork Conservation Program, active since 1984, is crucial and is supported by over 300 volunteer nest carers.

The first preliminary results of the 8th International White Stork Census from 38 of 55 participating countries, including Germany, point out the importance of conservation efforts. Final figures are expected by autumn 2025, while supplementary counts are still ongoing in countries such as France and Spain nabu.de.

In summary, the return of the storks to Wangen is a positive sign for nature conservation, but it also presents challenges. The combination of active conservation measures and public interest is crucial for the future of these majestic birds.