On the way south

Thousands of swallows killed by storms

Barn swallows in the rain (symbolic image)(Bild: Dominique Uhe)

The extreme weather of the past few days has also had a huge impact on wildlife. According to the Birdlife organization, flying insect hunters such as swallows have suffered the most among the various bird species: On their way to their African winter quarters, they were surprised by storms and floods, and thousands of swallows would not have survived. 

"The current extreme weather event with floods and storms left many birds literally stranded during their migration to the south," said Eva Karner-Ranner from Birdlife Austria on Tuesday. Thousands of weakened or dead swallows, mainly house martins, were observed.

If the search for food for flying insects is unsuccessful due to heavy rainfall, mass deaths can occur. A similar situation occurred in 1974. Back then, swallows were collected in an "unprecedented operation" and transported south by plane and train.

Watch out for birds sitting on the ground!
It is not yet possible to estimate how the current situation will affect the domestic breeding populations. Gatherings of swallows under roofs or similar should still not be disturbed so that they do not lose even more energy. Birds sitting on the ground that no longer fly up should be taken to the nearest rescue center in a box with air holes after consultation with experts.