Denmark records highest number of breeding white stork pairs in 35 years

Thirteen pairs of white storks are now breeding in Denmark, the highest count since 1991, according to conservation group Storkene.dk.

The figure marks a single-pair increase from last year, with two new nesting sites added—one in Øster Højst, Sønderjylland, and another at an undisclosed location. Sønderjylland remains the country’s breeding stronghold, hosting nine of the 13 pairs.

Jesper Leegaard, deputy chair of Storkene.dk, noted that while the group had hoped for 15 pairs, the current total is encouraging given the impact of avian influenza, which has killed thousands of storks in Spain. No cases have been reported in Denmark.

Weather conditions are currently favorable for the birds, with warmth and recent rainfall improving feeding opportunities for worms, amphibians, and insects.

If each pair produces an average of 2.5 fledglings, this season could yield 32–33 young storks, up from 30 last year. Other breeding sites include Ribe in southwest Jutland, Åle Kær in southeast Jutland, and Gundsølille near Roskilde.

Storkene.dk, a 1,600-member organization, works to improve habitat conditions for the species in Denmark.