Schwalben in Thuringia: Early breeding season fights against weather problems!

Schwalben in Thuringia: Early breeding season fights against weather problems!

Eichelborn, Deutschland - Spring in Thuringia - a time that stands for walks in nature and the recycling of the wildlife. But this year the return of the smoke and meal swallows, these symbolic birds, have to struggle with unexpected difficulties. According to Thuringia24 this year returned much later than usual. The aspect of the breeding season, which normally begins around May 1st, was strongly influenced by extreme weather conditions on the way back to Thuringia.

The always helpful nature has donated a lot of snow and rain in the Alpine region, which made it difficult to travel these birds. Tino Sauer, the Swallow representative of Nabu Thuringia, notes that the first broods have to use an average of two weeks late. Enthusiastic nature lovers can be found in Eichelborn at the Schmidt family, where new art nests are provided for meal swallows. There the family was presented with the first badge for a swallow -friendly house in 2025, part of a nationwide campaign that honors the commitment to swallow protection.

campaign for swallow protection - a success story

In total, over 2,000 households in Thuringia have already been honored with an award for their commitment to swallow protection in the past 15 years. In a typical location with around 100 buildings, up to 30 breeding pairs could live, which shows how valuable these birds are for the ecological balance. This information comes from the report of the Nature Conservation Association of Germany (NABU), which informs about the current state of swallow populations.

Another interesting aspect is the decline in swallow populations in Erfurt, Weimar and other parts of Thuringia - a worrying development that is associated with the extreme weather conditions. The return of the swallows from their winter quarters was made more difficult by the late winter and rainy days, which ultimately leads to a dramatic decline in the breeding pairs, as the NABU states in its last message.

climate change and its consequences

The changes in bird populations in Germany are not only due to local weather conditions. A comprehensive study of the Federal Office for Nature Conservation underpins the far-reaching effects of climate change in Germany. With over 1,000 sources of literature, the report analyzes how climate change affects the habitats and reproductive patterns of many species.

climate change is a serious threat, not only for the swallows, but for many domestic animal species. It is all the more important that we, as a society, raise our awareness of nature conservation and become active. Measures to support the swallows, such as providing nesting places and the preservation of swallow nests on houses, are simple but significant steps in the right direction.

All interested parties are invited to actively participate in swallow protection. Especially in this demanding time for nature, it is more important than ever to change something - for the swallows and our environment.