Why some storks are already sitting on their nests - Storks defy winter cold with early return to Germany's nesting grounds

Storks are returning to Germany earlier than usual, despite the lingering winter cold. While many still migrate south, some now stay in the country year-round or stop short in southern Spain instead of flying to Africa.

The first sightings have already been reported in Bavaria and northern Germany, where the birds are reclaiming their nests and showing early signs of mating behaviour.

Traditionally, storks were seen as a sign of spring, arriving after winter had passed. Now, they are appearing weeks ahead of schedule, with some never leaving at all. Researchers note that hundreds now spend the winter in Bavaria, often gathering near composting sites or river valleys where food remains available.

Satellite tracking by organisations like Nabu and the LBV shows shifting migration patterns. While most storks still fly south, fewer than 10 percent remain in their breeding areas—usually older birds. Many juveniles, which once followed adults all the way to Africa, now stop in southern Spain instead.

The birds can survive German winters as long as temperatures don't stay below freezing. Landfills and wet meadows provide enough food to keep them from starving. Early returners also have an advantage: they secure the best nests before rivals arrive.

Meanwhile, the majority of white storks still migrate long distances. Over 530,000 pass through the eastern Mediterranean each year, following the Nile corridor toward sub-Saharan Africa. But for those that stay, the old rhythms of migration are changing.

The return of storks no longer depends on spring warmth alone. More are overwintering in Germany or cutting their journeys short, adapting to milder conditions and reliable food sources. For now, the first arrivals are settling in, though breeding season has yet to begin.