Experience storks up close from April until September
The about 250 citizens, most notably the members of the stork club, of Rühstädt take care of and watch more than thirty pairs of storks
The little village Rühstädt near the Elbe is all about the stork. No wonder given that these impressive animals take up their quarters here amid the biosphere reserve Flusslandschaft Elbe-Brandenburg from April until August. This record is unique in Europe and earned this place the title “European Stork Village”. Before the birds' arrival in spring, the nests are cleaned up and secured. Some roofs even hold several nests.
Most storks return from their Western quarters at the start of April and start breeding right away. Whoever pays a visit to the village starting mid-May, can witness a very special spectatcle. The parents return to their nests after searching for food for their youngs to feed them. This scene is accompanied by loud clattering that echoes through the otherwise and usually quiet village. Boards with the names and breeding statistics are placed under each nest. In August, both young and old storks prepare for their departure South. During this time especially many storks can be seen in the Elbe wetlands.