For the first time, Oriental white storks have been spotted nesting and breeding in the Shanxi province of North China, indicating a notable increase in their population and the effectiveness of local conservation initiatives. This migratory bird, classified as endangered with a global population of only about 7,000 to 9,000, receives first-class protection under state law.
On May 9, a wildlife photography enthusiast and conservation volunteer named Chai Run, aged 61, observed two Oriental white storks constructing a nest atop a high-voltage transmission tower while he was photographing along the northern bank of the Sanggan River in the Datong area. Typically, these storks, which usually inhabit shallow waters near lakes and feed on fish and shrimp, prefer nesting on cliffs, but the rising trend of nesting on power towers could stem from an increased feeling of safety in these locations.
The Sanggan River National Wetland Park in Datong serves as an essential stop for migrating birds, now hosting over 100 bird species, including several that enjoy first-class protection, like the Oriental white stork and the black stork. As migratory birds, Oriental white storks breed primarily in Russia's Far East and northeastern China, migrating to wintering areas such as the Yellow River Delta in China. They return to southern China in October and begin their migration northward again around March.
0 Comments