Red alert for kestrels: nesting sites in danger!

Red alert for kestrels: nesting sites in danger!

There is currently increasing discussion in Dresden about the threatened kestrel population. This popular bird, known as a “cultural follower,” is increasingly nesting in urban areas, but numbers have fallen alarmingly. Volunteer bird experts report that the number of breeding pairs in the Saxon capital has fallen from 200 to just 80. This frightening development is causing people and conservationists to take action. Dirk Hanke, a passionate ringer with heart and hand, has just been able to ring three chicks on the church tower of the Church of Reconciliation in Dresden. As he counts the chicks, he worries about the decline, which appears to be due to a lack of food. Five years ago there were five to six chicks in the nests, now there are only three. This information also has an impact on the work of many protection associations: MDR emphasizes that the collected data is reported to the Hiddensee bird observatory.

In the search for a solution, the Nature Conservation Association (NABU) is in contact with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Saxony to disseminate important information to support the kestrels. Attention is paid to protecting nesting sites in churches and other buildings. After all, these birds are protected under the Federal Nature Conservation Act, but are under pressure from human construction activities that rob the kestrels' habitats and hunting areas. This not only leads to a lack of breeding sites, but also to malnourished young falcons having to be taken to wild bird rescue. They are raised there while their parents search in vain for food. NABU Leipzig points to the most pressing problems such as the renovation of towers, which is often done without taking nesting areas into account. Many of these protected nesting sites are simply destroyed without replacement nesting aids being provided.

Habitat and food shortage

The kestrel is a bird that reaches a body size of around 35 cm and has a wingspan of 75 cm. Around 50,000 breeding pairs still live in Germany, and the main food source is field mice. These are very popular in open landscapes, including urban areas. According to NABU Thuringia, the kestrel is moderately widespread in the region and can be found primarily in central and northern Thuringia, while it is rather rare in higher altitudes and closed forest areas.

Another stressful factor for kestrels is that space to fly is becoming increasingly rare. Collisions with glass surfaces and cars pose a serious danger to the young birds. The greater freedom they once had is being severely restricted by people's construction activities. The provision of nesting aids and sitting crutches is becoming increasingly important in order to stabilize the kestrel population. NABU also recommends that farmers use less pesticides to promote biodiversity and thus ensure the food supply for the kestrels. Installing nesting aids can improve the long-term situation of beloved birds of prey. This initiative is now strongly supported in the Catholic and Protestant communities in order to raise awareness of nature and bird protection.

Joint action for the kestrel

The parish of the Church of Reconciliation has also been actively involved in protecting the kestrels by regularly providing information about the lives of the chicks in their community newsletter. Dr. Johannes Strrumpfel is often on site to clean and check the nesting site. This makes it possible to observe the chicks until mid-July, when they make their first attempts to fly. In order to counteract the decline in breeding numbers, everyone is now called upon. Supporting the kestrels must be a priority. A good hand in conservation could ensure the survival of many of these impressive birds in the cities! In the hope that many will also join this cause.

In Dresden and beyond it is clear: environmental protection is not only the responsibility of conservationists, but also of society as a whole. Together we can ensure that the kestrels will soon be circling above our roofs in larger numbers again! Let's support the initiatives that give these fascinating birds a chance - it's up to us! The commitment of bird experts, churches and conservation organizations could be the key to saving the kestrel population and preserving the beauty of these animals in our cities.