In May 2026, Lionel Maumary, a Swiss ornithologist and president of the Lausanne Ornithological Circle, confirmed the first nesting of black storks in Switzerland. The nesting was discovered in the canton of Vaud, following earlier suspicions in 2018 and 2023 that had not been verified. Maumary observed the bird flying over a field and later found a nest in a tree containing red sticks and feathers, signs of nesting activity. The return of black storks is believed to be due to improved environmental protections and the ban on harmful pesticides like DDT, which allowed the species to reestablish itself in Swiss forests. Maumary also noted the growing presence of other bird species, such as the imperial eagle. Once limited to a single pair in 2012, the species has expanded to around 15-16 pairs, aided by favorable climate conditions and the availability of prey like vipers and Aesculapian snakes in regions like Valais. Similarly, the Eurasian scops owl, once rare in Switzerland, is returning due to climate change and the use of nest boxes originally meant for barn owls. However, not all bird species are thriving. Several are in decline, especially those found in wetlands and agricultural areas. The gray wheatear, which has disappeared from Switzerland, is also declining in the French Jura. The corncrake, a migratory bird in decline across Europe, needs delayed mowing of meadows to successfully nest. Approximately 40% of the 205 breeding bird species in Switzerland are classified as threatened. Maumary expressed concerns about the challenges of protecting wetland birds. Efforts to create artificial wetlands on lakes are costly and face legal restrictions. A new artificial island for birds is planned on Lake Geneva, though the project has faced delays and required compromises in size. The island, originally proposed by Maumary, has received support from local officials and is expected to be completed by 2027, marking the 100th anniversary of the Lausanne Ornithological Circle. The island of Préverenges, established in 1979, has seen a significant increase in bird populations, including common redshanks and terns, thanks to artificial nesting platforms. However, these species remain under pressure and require ongoing conservation efforts. Maumary's personal highlights of 2026 include the black stork's return and the first sighting of the Bonaparte's gull on his island, despite his absence during the event. He continues to observe and document the world's wader species, acknowledging the challenges of travel and the impossibility of seeing every bird species.