The white stork population has seen a remarkable increase in Harghita County, where the birds have found favorable feeding habitats and enjoy a traditionally positive relationship with local residents.

Biologist Demeter László of the Harghita County Environmental Directorate told AGERPRES that the nesting population has more than tripled over the past two decades — from 184 nesting pairs in 2003 to approximately 620 in 2025.

According to the latest census conducted by the directorate's experts, the communes of Sansimion (Ciuc Depression) and Martinis (specifically the village of Sanpaul, on the Homorodul Mare Valley) with 82 each. They are followed by Joseni with 53 pairs and Ciceu with 44.

Significant numbers of nesting storks were also recorded in Santimbru, Siculeni, and Ciumani communes.

Demeter László describes the situation as 'exceptional,' attributing the growth to several factors: high-biodiversity wet meadows managed through mowing, and the county's unique geomorphology — flat, basin-like areas in mountainous terrain that resemble the steppe habitat preferred by white storks.

He also noted that the white stork population is rising across Europe, including Romania, although such dramatic increases remain rare.

Demeter László says this development is encouraging, but also raises important questions, offering insights into the area's capacity to sustain the stork population.

'When we talk about population size, we're also referring to how many individuals the landscape can actually support — what we call carrying capacity or ecological sustainability. Storks show us that the observed population at a given time, even if high, doesn't necessarily reflect that ecological limit. In the early 2000s, Harghita County recorded around 200 nesting pairs. By 2025, that number had grown to over 600. Yet the landscape — especially around villages, where storks most often nest — hasn't changed significantly,' Demeter explained.

The growth, he said, is mainly tied to the quality of feeding habitats and the availability of nesting sites, and warrants further study.

In addition to nesting pairs surveyed by wildlife experts, large flocks of non-breeding storks — mostly young birds not yet ready to nest — can be observed in the county. These birds feed and roost in large groups, often displaying 'practice' nesting behavior like carrying hay or forming pairs, as preparation for adulthood.

These flocks, seen regularly in areas like Gheorgheni, Ciuc, Casin, and Vlahita, offer a spectacular sight and are likely to help sustain or increase the local breeding population, the expert added.

'Large stork flocks are a spectacular and typical feature of meadow-rich depressions in the Carpathians,' said Demeter.

Despite being protected at both national and EU levels, stork conservation remains a concern. Most nests are built on utility poles within villages, where young storks are especially vulnerable to accidents.

The biologist has observed cases where lighting fixtures are mounted too close to the top of poles, blocking storks from landing and nesting — posing a serious threat to population stability.

'If we modernize public lighting without considering this, we risk inadvertently driving storks away. (...) I've seen this in other parts of the country — fortunately not yet here. But it's a warning sign,' he said. 'Eventually, if power lines go underground, we'll need to create new nesting options. Installing nesting platforms and insulating medium-voltage lines remain crucial for storks and other birds, especially raptors.'

Stork nests can become very heavy — sometimes hundreds of kilograms — as birds add new material each year, making them vulnerable to collapse. Regular maintenance is needed to prevent this, he added.

Demeter László also shared fascinating details about stork behavior, such as their ability to learn migration routes and return to the same nest each year. They use warm air currents (thermals) to gain altitude with minimal energy, essential for long-distance travel.

Although storks are often seen as symbols of monogamy, research shows they are more loyal to their nests than to their partners.

'According to scientific literature, storks are more faithful to their nests than their mates. But that doesn't mean pairs don't stay together for several breeding seasons,' he explained.

Males typically arrive at the nest first to 'renovate' it by adding nesting material. During incubation, females sit on the eggs mostly at night, while males take over during the day, allowing females to feed. Once the chicks hatch, both parents participate almost equally in feeding and care.

Demeter said that local people generally have a good relationship with the storks, though problems can arise when nests are built close to houses, and droppings cause inconvenience.

In such cases, he recommends protective measures like barriers or coverings, as relocating the nest is difficult — storks are strongly attached to their nesting sites and can be stubborn.

Sansimion Mayor Kozma István, whose commune (along with Martinis) holds the county record for most nesting pairs, told AGERPRES that the stork has been featured on the local coat of arms since 2023, by Government decision, as the bird is considered part of community life.

He stressed the importance of collaboration between local authorities and residents in protecting the species and noted that the municipality installs nesting platforms when needed.

'In spring, when they return, the fields are full of storks. I believe Sansimion is a favorite spot for them because they find plenty of food here, especially along the Olt River. We coexist well, though there are issues when nests are too close to homes,' the mayor said.

In the commune of Santimbru, where stork nests are also numerous, the 'Cutia de Proiecte - Project Bag' association created a visitor center in the Henter Manor House, highlighting the white stork and its place in local culture.

Visitors can learn about stork biology, local history, and how the species became part of community life.

Biologist Imecs István, the project coordinator, told AGERPRES that the community's bond with storks is also evident in school education. Under the guidance of teacher András Éva, students this year once again surveyed and assessed the local stork population, building on last year's first joint monitoring effort.

'These activities help shape a new generation that Is responsible and environmentally conscious. The StorkNest visitor room in Henter Manor will become a mobile center next year so that the Project Bag team can bring stork education to more schools and events'' said Imecs.

These examples show that in Harghita County, storks have not only found ideal habitats but also communities that care deeply about them and are committed to their protection. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Gina Stefan; EN - writing by: Simona Iacob)