70 youngsters in Rust: A summer of the brood records?

70 youngsters in Rust: A summer of the brood records?

in Rust, Burgenland, nature lovers can look forward to a happy summer: according to TT this summer, 70 young storks of 26 breeding pairs were raised. This is not quite as much as in the record year 2024 when there were 86 young storks, but always a pleasant sign that the storks are still active and successful in the region. Igor Smrtnik, chairman of the Storchenverein Rust, is optimistic and reports that the storks are currently finding enough food.

Despite the wet -cold weather last Sunday, the big young storks did not suffer. A positive development! However, there are also some stragglers who could have difficulties due to unfavorable conditions. Particularly noteworthy is the self-made tree nest, in which two chicks have been spotted-a less frequent sight, because storks nest more on towers, fireplaces or masts today, since these locations enable good departure. High above the ground, where you usually prefer to breed. From February to April, the males first return to their nest to repair winter damage and then collect material for the nest building together with the females.

The way of life of the storks

Stork (family ciconiidae) are not only a typical symbol of fertility in Europe, but can also look back on a remarkable train behavior. The white stork takes up to 7000 kilometers on its way to Africa and flies between 200 and 300 kilometers daily, while the old storks will return in the next spring, but the young storks only when they are reproductive. As Wikipedia , there are storks in cultural landscapes with plenty of wetlands and are above all carnivores.

In order to guarantee the continued existence of the storks, the construction of the nests is particularly important. They are often built on high points in order to meet both the dignity and departure. The breeding season comprises at least 25 to 38 days, and the small storks are fledged after 50 to 100 days. An interesting detail is that storks sometimes throw weak chicks out of the nest in the event of a shortage of feed in order to increase the chances of survival of the stronger descendants.

In Burgenland, this year is a healthy population of storks, albeit with challenges. It remains to be seen whether the young storks will master the difficulties. But one thing is certain: the storks are still a sought -after and protected symbol of our regions.