These are not only birds born in Spain, but also birds from more northern European countries such as Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands. Spain was only one stopover for the annual migration to Africa, but now significant numbers of white storks remain in the country.

The balance of nature has been shaken

• Experts’ note: Storks spend the winter mostly in Spain because of the prepared foods they can find in landfills. In many Spanish cities, huge garbage centers have appeared in recent years, where birds can find food all year round. In each of these, 200 to 300 tons of food waste is taken every day and the storks are sent there immediately.
• They also played their part climate change – Winters on the Iberian Peninsula have become milder, allowing them to stay further north than ever before.
• In addition, wintering in Spain, Avoid the dangerous crossing of the 14-kilometer Strait of Gibraltar, separating the country from Morocco. Strong winds often blow there and many birds die en route.

Adult storks that have already traveled do not want to repeat this experience. Because they migrate in search of food, the open dump is an all-you-can-eat buffet for them. no need to go anymore
– says Almudena Soriano, a veterinarian from Madrid.

White storks in Spain’s dumps / Photo: PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU AFP

White storks in Spain’s dumps / Photo: PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU AFP

The report notes that some storks still return to northern Europe after winter, but many remain in Spain permanently. Young storks still have an instinct to migrate to Africa, but they make this journey without their parents, which affects safety and survival.