Guess who's back? Rare and endangered storks have made a surprise comeback at Hengshui Lake National Nature Reserve in north China's Hebei Province! 🥳
For the first time since 2018, a black stork and an oriental white stork were spotted hunting for food together in the wetlands. Talk about a dynamic duo! 🌟 It's super rare to see these two species hanging out side by side.
The oriental white stork is listed as \"endangered\" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, while the black stork is classified under first-class state protection in China with only about 1,000 of them around. These birds are literally the VIPs of the avian world! 🐦💎
So, what's bringing these feathered celebrities back? Hengshui Lake has been upping its game! Since last year, water quality has improved big time. The shoal areas around the lake have transformed into the perfect hangout spot for waterfowl. It's like the hottest new club for migratory birds, and everyone's flocking there! 🎉🦆
Right now, the lake is buzzing with activity during the peak season of migratory birds. Hengshui Lake isn't just any lake; it's got the largest single water surface on the North China Plain and boasts a complete wetland ecosystem with swamps, waters, mudflats, meadows, and woodlands. Nature's got nothing on this place! 🌿🌊
Located in the city of Hengshui, the lake is a star on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, serving as an important stopover and wintering spot for migratory birds. So far, the nature reserve staff have recorded 334 species of birds! That's a lot of new friends. 🦉🦅🦢
The return of these rare storks is a sign that conservation efforts are paying off. Keep your eyes on Hengshui Lake—who knows which rare species will pop up next? 👀💫
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
