Alarm level red for tower falcons: nesting places in danger!

Alarm level red for tower falcons: nesting places in danger!

Dresden, Deutschland - In Dresden, the threatened tower falcon population is currently being discussed. This popular bird, known as the "cultural successor", is increasingly nesting in urban areas, but the numbers have dropped alarming. Voluntary bird experts report that the breeding pairs in the Saxon state capital fell from 200 to only 80. This frightening development brings people and conservationists to action. Dirk Hanke, one with a heart and hand passionate Beringer, has just been able to Beringen three chicks on the church tower of the Church of Reconciliation in Dresden. As he counts the chicks, he is worried about the decline, which is apparently due to lack of food. Five years ago, five to six chicks were still found in the nests, now there are only three. This information also has an impact on the work of many protective associations: [MDR] (https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/sachsen/dresden-radebeul/voegel- Turmfalken-weltschutz-kirchen-kirchen-kirchen-kirchen-kirchen-kirchen-kirchen-kreche emphasizes that the collected data is reported to the hiddea hiddensee.

When searching for a solution, the Nature Conservation Association (NABU) is in contact with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Saxony in order to spread important information to support the tower falcons. The protection of the nesting facilities in churches and other buildings is paid to the protection. After all, these birds are protected according to the Federal Nature Conservation Act, but are under pressure from human construction activities that rob living spaces and hunting areas of the tower falcons. This not only leads to a lack of breeding sites, but also to the fact that malnourished young falcons have to be brought to wild bird aid. There they are raised while their parents are looking for food in vain. The NABU Leipzig refers to the most pressing problems such as the renovation of towers, which are often carried out without considering the nesting areas. Many of these protected nesting places are simply destroyed without replacement nest aids.

habitat and food shortage

The tower falcon is a bird that reaches a height of about 35 cm and has a wingspan of 75 cm. Around 50,000 breeding pairs still live in Germany, the main source of food is field mice. These are very popular in open landscapes, also in urban areas. According to [Nabu Thuringia] (https://thueringen.nabu.de/tiere-und-pflanzen/voegel/voegel-des-jahres/der- turmfalke/index.html), the tower falke is moderately widespread in the region and especially in Central and North Thuringia, while it is rather rare in higher altitudes and closed forest areas.

Another stressful factor for the tower falcons is that the space to fly is becoming increasingly rare. Collisions with glass areas and cars are a serious danger for young birds. The larger freedom that they once had available are severely restricted by the construction activities of the people. The provision of nesting aids and seat crutches is becoming increasingly important in order to stabilize the stocks of the tower falcons. The NABU also recommends that farmers use fewer pesticides to promote biodiversity and thus also ensure the food supply for the tower falcons. Attaching nesting aids can improve the situation of the beloved birds of prey in the long term. In the Catholic and Evangelical Community, this initiative is now strongly supported to raise awareness of nature and bird protection.

joint action for the tower falcon

The parish of the Church of Reconciliation has also actively contributed to the protection of the tower falcons by regularly informing about the life of the chicks in its community sheet. Dr. Johannes Strümpfel is often on site to clean and control the nesting site. So it is possible to watch the chicks until mid -July when you take your first flight attempts. In order to counteract the decline in the brood elections, everyone is now required. The use for the tower falcons must be a priority. A good hand in nature conservation could ensure many of these impressive birds to survive in the cities! In the hope that many will also join this concern.

in Dresden and beyond it is clear: environmental protection is not only the task of conservationists, but also from the entire society. Together we can ensure that the tower falcons will soon circle over our roofs again in larger numbers! We support the initiatives that give these fascinating birds a chance - it is up to us! The commitment of bird experts, churches and nature conservation organizations could be the key to save the tower falcon population and to preserve the beauty of these animals in our cities.