Rust storks struggle to find food as drought persists

Persistent heat and drought have reduced the food supply for storks in Rust, Burgenland, ORF reported. The Rust Stork Association is therefore providing supplementary food at its stork station.

Most of the 80 young storks that hatched this year are already able to fly and feed themselves, including with food from the station, association chairman Igor Smrtnik told the Austrian Press Agency.

Long dry periods are particularly difficult when chicks are still in the nests and their parents must find enough food for them. “It takes a toll,” Smrtnik said. The situation is now less serious because most of the young birds can feed themselves and collect food from the station.

A total of 27 stork pairs bred in Rust this year. Of the 80 chicks that hatched, two are currently being cared for at the stork station and are in good condition.

It remains unclear whether the high temperatures will affect when the storks leave for the south. The first birds normally depart around 20 August, followed by the others in several groups over the next seven to 12 days, Smrtnik said.