Young storks in the Kinzigaue: hope for rain despite the heat!

Young storks in the Kinzigaue: hope for rain despite the heat!

In the Main-Kinzig district, nature is as diverse as the stories it tells. Recent photos by reader Günther Appich impressively show how young storks in the Kinzigaue between Meerholz and Hailer suffer from the sweltering heat. The little birds wait patiently in the nest while their parents provide the necessary water supply to protect them from the extreme drought. These images are a testament not only to the beauty but also to the challenges facing wildlife in the county. According to Vorsprung Online, readers are invited to submit their own impressive nature photographs and share their observations.

But the story of the storks is only part of the colorful wildlife in this country. For several years now, greylag geese have also made their home in the ponds and meadows along the Kinzig. This development is viewed positively by the GNA (Society for Nature Conservation and Floodplain Development), which is actively working to create habitats for this and other bird species. This includes, among other things, the optimization of food biotopes and the creation of new ponds to promote the settlement of storks. A lack of nesting space is no longer a problem, and the white storks return to their breeding areas in large numbers in the spring, as Mein Blättche reports.

Birds under pressure

However, the situation for many bird species in Hesse does not always look rosy. According to the new Red List of the Hessian State Office for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology, a shocking 60% of breeding bird species in the state are endangered. Of 190 breeding bird species, 29 have become extinct, and in the last ten years the Hessian bird world has suffered from climate change, intensive agriculture and increasingly dry conditions. Threats such as the decline of the barn owl are making the situation even more tense, while species such as the kingfisher and tree hawk are fortunately on the mend. Hessenschau emphasizes that protection programs are already enabling positive developments.

The “Röhrig von Rodenbach” nature reserve is an important retreat for numerous bird species. Over 130 different species live there, including lapwings and gray herons. A “Journey of the Storks” excursion will be offered on Wednesday, June 22, to raise awareness of the white stork and other birds. Under the leadership of Günter Könitzer and Susanne Hufmann, those interested can discover the fascinating world of fluttering animals. The meeting point is at the parking lot at Landhof Schmidt in Rodenbach, and the participation fee is just 4 euros. Children and young people are even there free of charge – a wonderful opportunity to experience nature up close and learn.

Engaged citizens

Anyone who would like to get more involved with species conservation has the opportunity to support a stork sponsor. Sponsorship contributions are tax deductible and go directly to projects to preserve the white stork population. The GNA is happy about every supporter and ensures that the safety of the find is guaranteed. Donations are accepted in a special account at Raiffeisenbank Rodenbach.

Nature in the Main-Kinzig district is a valuable asset that needs to be preserved. It is up to each and every one of us to protect the beauty and diversity of our native birdlife and to allow future generations to share in it. Send us your best nature photos or interesting observations and be part of our shared mission.