Breeding grounds remain empty: the parliament building has no bird

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To support the endangered alpine swift and swift, twelve bird nest boxes were placed in the Federal Palace more than two years ago. The idea was launched by the then chairman of the National Council and “passionate ornithologist” Andreas Aebi (SVP, 64). Even Federal Councilor Ignazio Cassis (62) took a look at the new bird nests that were placed not far from his office.

Until now, however, the birds have ignored the nesting opportunity. The hatchery is regularly observed with binoculars, says Martin Schuck, deputy director of the BirdLife organization. “So far no colonization of the nest boxes has been established.”

Despite repeated inquiries, Aebi would not comment on the failed attempt to settle here.

Lure with calls

It comes as no surprise to bird lovers that the birds do not want to know anything about the emergency shelter offered to them. It can take years for such nesting sites to be discovered and then colonized, as sailors tend to be “very local,” says Schuck.

If nothing is still happening in the tanks, help is called in: “If swifts haven’t settled after a few years, there’s an opportunity to lure them with specific calls,” says BirdLife. This method should be considered if there is still no branch in the Federal Palace in the coming years.

Alpine swifts and swifts are considered potentially endangered in Switzerland. In particular, the loss of breeding grounds under roof tiles or in cracks in houses, for example due to facade and roof insulation, and the destruction of broods during renovations and renovations during the breeding season are important causes of threat Catch insects and spiders.

At least a few falcons

But not all birds avoid the Federal Palace. During an inspection in April, the National Office for Buildings and Logistics discovered a nest with birds on the west side, probably a pair of falcons.

Construction work was planned where these nested, but nothing has come of it for the time being. “To give the breeding pair of birds time and space, we decided not to build the west facade according to a fixed construction process, but first the north facade of the main dome,” said a spokesman for the Federal Bureau. We are also in contact with the game warden about this. Under the Hunting and Conservation of Wild Mammals and Birds Act, it is prohibited to disturb the “breeding” of the protected birds.

Source:Blick