Hamburg stork breeding reaches century-high record

The Nature Conservation Union (NABU) reported that 59 white stork pairs nested in Hamburg this season, with 46 successful broods producing a total of 129 chicks – the highest number recorded in the city in a hundred years, surpassing the previous peak of 113 in 2024.

Stork caretaker Jürgen Pelch highlighted the favorable wetland conditions along the Elbe, noting the abundance of ponds, meadows and ditches that provide abundant food such as frogs, mice and earthworms. Five of the chicks required rescue, with two hand‑raised from eggs and three retrieved after a nest‑loss.

Hamburg’s environmental state councilor Stefanie von Berg (Alliance 90/The Greens) said the thriving stork population is a clear indicator of successful nature protection efforts. After fledging, the young birds will migrate south, spending the winter in Spain, Portugal and parts of Africa.