Storks no longer just pass by Malaga: a hundred winter near the Hiperronda

The street lamps on the Hiperronda in Málaga have had some unexpected tenants for weeks. These tall structures have become the ideal perch for dozens of storks, which rest on them at dusk, creating a striking and unprecedented sight for drivers traveling on this high-capacity highway.

The phenomenon is quite new in a city more accustomed to pigeons and seagulls, but it has a simple explanation: abundant and accessible food; nearby water and an increasingly mild winter.

Antonio Román Muñoz Gallego, an ornithologist at the University of Málaga (UMA), is studying this phenomenon, and admits that it is quite novel. "Until three decades ago, practically all European storks migrated to sub-Saharan Africa. Today, more and more are staying."

In recent years, the change has been rapid and evident. The researcher recalls that just three winters ago, the group of storks that stayed in this area did not exceed thirty individuals. This year, since last September, between 100 and 125 have been counted, with an average number of about 115 individuals. "They have tripled in a very short time."

And these are only those that inhabit the area stably, because there are many more in transit. During the last census of wintering birds, conducted by the scientist and his team on January 21, the count made inside the Los Ruices landfill reached 548 storks. An exceptional number that includes both those that spend the winter in Málaga and migratory groups that made a stop to feed before continuing north to Europe.

Indeed, the main reason for this change in habits in an increasingly large group of this species is the availability of food. "The Los Ruices landfill is the determining factor," points out the ornithologist. "There they find food every day. It's a visible source that remains over time."

Also, a very short flight distance from the Hiperronda, the Guadalhorce river guarantees them fresh water and quiet resting areas. "It's like an information center for the birds. Storks attract more storks. If a migrating group sees others eating, they stop, feed, and then continue their route."

One of the most striking aspects of the phenomenon occurring in Málaga is that many of them choose to spend the night on the street lamps of the Hiperronda. "They choose them for the warmth," explains the expert. "The bulb heats the structure and the platform is warm. It allows them to thermoregulate better during the night."

In fact, only some lights on the second ring are turned on at night (it is mandatory to do so at accesses, exits, crossings, and dangerous points, but not on the general route), and these are their favorites. But only when there is no wind: on stormy days, the birds abandon these perches and take refuge in the Guadalhorce area.

From the information on the rings that have been read, researchers know that many come from Germany and other Central European countries, such as the Netherlands. "These are storks that no longer fly to Africa. They spend the winter in Málaga and, in a few weeks, will return to their breeding quarters in northern Europe."

This leads Muñoz to reflect on the cultural significance of this phenomenon: "The well-known saying 'by Saint Blas, you will see the storks' has lost some of its meaning. Now they are seen all winter."

Although climate change may influence, Antonio Román Muñoz is clear that the main reason is not the climate, but the food. "Rather than talking about climate change, we are talking about a species that takes advantage of a resource that we lay out for them," he states. Still, the milder winters help. "For a stork, if there is food, the winter in Málaga is not cold," he adds.

However, storks are currently not very inclined to breed in the province. Currently, there are only four or five breeding pairs: in Arriate, Ronda, Antequera, Fuente de Piedra, and possibly Alameda. This is due to the lower natural availability of water and amphibians to hunt, compared to other areas like Extremadura.

However, this situation may change in the medium term. "It is possible that this continued presence will lead to the establishment of some breeding pairs in the vicinity of the Guadalhorce river," points out the ornithologist, although he tempers his words: "It's more a wish than a certainty."

What is clear is that the phenomenon is here to stay. "Each year more come," confirms Antonio Román Muñoz. And the street lamps of the Hiperronda now serve for much more than just illuminating the road for drivers.