Stork invasion causes havoc in Hohenfels, community debates solutions
Hundreds of storks — that's the issue plaguing the residents of Hohenfels municipality in Germany. They are troubled by the bird droppings, the noise, and, above all, the insatiable appetite of these visitors. And the number of storks is on the rise.
Residents of the Hohenfels municipality near Lake Constance in Germany are grappling with a significant problem. Storks have taken a liking to their town and appear in large numbers, according to German media reports. There are hundreds of these birds. Hohenfels Mayor Florian Zindeler notes that in just one district, over 130 storks were counted in a single morning. "They leave droppings, make noise, and eat everything," the media reports.
The residents are concerned not only about the noise or the large volume of droppings but molstly about the unrelenting appetite of these avian guests. As Zindeler explains, the birds quickly communicate with each other about where food might be available. He emphasises that as soon as a farmer starts working in the field, the first stork arrives, followed by more shortly thereafter.
The Mayor of Hohenfels has no doubt why the storks are so fond of these areas. He points out that many reed beds are here, providing the storks with plenty of food. It is no wonder they want to settle in this place.
The mayor writes to the authorities
The Mayor of Hohenfels has raised this issue with representatives of the Baden-Württemberg government. He urges higher-level politicians to develop new procedures that will allow action to be taken against protected species in cases like the one in his municipality.
Josef Martin, the local stork protection commissioner, entered the discussion. In his opinion, the presence of storks is not as troublesome as described. He pointed out that problems with droppings only occur near nests established by the storks. Martin also doubted that the presence of storks significantly increased noise levels. He reminded that under current regulations, birds can be relocated to another place before the breeding season.
According to information provided by "Süddeutsche Zeitung", the storks currently in Hohenfels municipality are older individuals who will soon leave Germany for warmer countries.
