Swallows under pressure: low returns despite nest protection in Thuringia!

Swallows under pressure: low returns despite nest protection in Thuringia!

Spring is in full swing and with it comes the popular walking season through the beautiful landscapes of Thuringia. But what appeals to many bird fans in the region are the agile swallows that return from their winter quarters at this time. However, things are not looking as rosy this year as many would have liked. Thuringia24 reports that significantly fewer barn swallows and house martins have arrived in the region than usual.

This year's start to the breeding season is particularly difficult for the swallow lovers among us. The Nature Conservation Association of Germany (NABU) announces that the breeding season came about two weeks later this year and the number of breeding pairs has decreased. Tino Sauer, the swallow representative at NABU Thuringia, attributes the swallows' delayed return to extreme weather conditions. Snow and rain in the Alpine region during the autumn migration could be responsible for many birds not finding their way to their breeding grounds. This means that the black and white acrobats of the sky have a difficult start to 2025.

Swallow-friendly actions

The decline in the swallow population has been particularly noticeable in cities such as Erfurt and Weimar in recent weeks. This news is alarming because swallows are not only beautiful sights, they also play a crucial role in the ecosystem. This makes it all the more important to protect their nests and breeding grounds. nabu.de explains that supporting the swallows by preserving their nests on house walls is of great importance. The “Swallow-Friendly House” campaign aims to recognize the commitment to swallow protection.

The Schmidt family has just received a special award in the Eichelborn community. They were presented with the first plaque for a swallow-friendly house in 2025. These plaques, which have been awarded over 2,000 times in Thuringia in the last 15 years, not only honor homeowners, but also create incentives to promote the swallow population. Up to 30 swallows can live in a place with 100 buildings - a remarkable number that shows how important it is to offer these animals a home.

Bird watching and engagement

Birds are generally under pressure - even common species such as the barn swallow and the house sparrow don't have it easy. Current counts in May during the “Hour of the Garden Birds” showed an average of 28.45 birds per garden. NABU also offers bird excursions with experienced birdwatchers, where those interested can learn more about the local bird species and observe their behavior. Further information can be found on the website NABU.

So if you want to do something good for nature's singing and the flight of swallows, protect the nests that you come across over the summer. This is how you can do your part to ensure that these elegant singers do not disappear from our villages and cities.