Despite hundreds of geese, swan father is satisfied with Alster swans' breeding success

Many swans on Hamburg's Alster lake have successfully hatched young, despite a delayed start to their nesting season. Olaf Nieß, head of Hamburg's swan affairs and known as the "swan father," reported satisfaction with the current breeding success. "We always have fluctuations. But so far, I am quite satisfied," he told the German Press Agency.

Nieß and his team closely monitored the swans as they established nests and incubated eggs. However, the birds face significant environmental pressures. Over 1,600 geese inhabit the Outer Alster and its canals, leading to the displacement of other native species. Additionally, avian influenza remains a concern in the Hamburg area.

According to the Friedrich Loeffler Institute's animal disease information system, there were 31 confirmed cases of poultry pest in wild birds in June and 7 in July, including 16 swans. This brings the total number of avian flu cases in Hamburg to 179 since the beginning of the year. No new cases have been registered in August so far.

Nieß hopes the swans will continue to navigate the summer without succumbing to other diseases or oxygen-depleted waters. Around 90 mute swans were released back onto the Outer Alster in mid-May after being kept in winter quarters. Their release was delayed by about six weeks due to measures taken to protect them from avian influenza.

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We always have fluctuations. But - fingers crossed - so far I am quite satisfied.