The intriguing tale of the “Pfeilstorch,” or arrow stork, began in the spring of 1822 in Klütz, Germany, with the discovery of a white stork bearing a 30-inch central African spear lodged in its neck. This unexpected finding had profound implications for the then-nascent field of ornithology. At the time, the scientific community debated how birds survived harsh winters, with theories ranging from hibernation to lunar voyages. The Pfeilstorch, having flown thousands of miles with its African spear, provided concrete evidence of long-distance bird migration, silencing alternative hypotheses and revolutionizing the understanding of avian behavior. This initial discovery marked the beginning of a series of similar finds, solidifying the concept of bird migration and sparking further research into the remarkable journeys these creatures undertake.
The story of the Pfeilstorch resurfaced over a century later, intertwined with the dark history of Nazi Germany. In the midst of World War II, Ernst Schüz, a prominent German ornithologist and expert on the Pfeilstorch phenomenon, was consulted on a bizarre propaganda scheme conceived by Heinrich Himmler, head of the Gestapo. Himmler’s plan aimed to exploit the migratory patterns of storks to disseminate anti-British propaganda leaflets among the Boers in South Africa. Storks raised in Prussia would be fitted with leaflets attached to their legs, which would be released upon arrival in South Africa through small explosions. This audacious, and arguably absurd, plan highlighted the desperation and often misguided nature of Nazi propaganda efforts.
Schüz, however, recognized the flaws in Himmler’s scheme and ultimately dissuaded its implementation. He argued that the recovery rate of the leaflets would be incredibly low, requiring an impractical number of storks to achieve even minimal impact. Furthermore, he astutely pointed out the Boers’ fondness for storks, predicting that any harm to the birds would likely backfire, generating resentment towards the Nazis rather than the intended anti-British sentiment. This incident, later recounted in a 1958 New York Times article, served as an example of the bureaucratic waste and impracticality that characterized many Nazi initiatives, particularly as the regime neared its inevitable collapse.
Beyond his role in thwarting Himmler’s ill-conceived plan, Ernst Schüz made significant contributions to the field of ornithology. Born in 1901, he earned his Ph.D. in Berlin and subsequently joined the prestigious Rossitten Bird Observatory, eventually becoming its director. Under his leadership, the observatory, specializing in bird banding, gained international recognition. Schüz expanded the network of amateur bird banders and spearheaded large-scale studies on bird populations and migration patterns, particularly focusing on species like the white stork and grey heron. The observatory’s work was unfortunately interrupted by the war, forcing its closure in 1943.
Following the war, Schüz continued his scientific endeavors as director of the Stuttgart Museum of Natural History. His prolific career included the publication of the first Atlas of Bird Migration in 1931, a landmark work that significantly advanced the understanding of bird migration. He also co-founded the influential journal “Vogelzug” (later renamed “Vogelwarte”) with Rudolf Drost in 1930, serving as its editor for over four decades. Schüz’s dedication to meticulous scientific research and his advocacy for bird conservation shaped the field of modern avian ecology, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to influence ornithological studies today.
The story of the Pfeilstorch, from its initial discovery in 1822 to its entanglement with Nazi propaganda efforts, underscores the interconnectedness of scientific discovery, historical context, and the contributions of dedicated individuals like Ernst Schüz. The seemingly simple observation of a stork with a spear in its neck not only revolutionized our understanding of bird migration but also provided a backdrop against which the absurdities of wartime propaganda were exposed. Schüz’s role in both debunking Himmler’s plan and advancing ornithological knowledge cemented his place as a pivotal figure in the history of bird studies. His work serves as a testament to the power of scientific inquiry and the importance of conservation efforts in protecting these remarkable creatures and their migratory journeys.
