Two critically endangered bird species—the black stork and oriental white stork—were recently seen hunting side by side in Hengshui Lake National Nature Reserve, north China's Hebei Province. This marks the first sighting of the black stork here since 2018! 🎉
The oriental white stork, listed as endangered by the IUCN, and the black stork (only ~1,000 left in China) are both under top-tier national protection. Their joint appearance is like nature’s own Avengers team-up for conservationists! 🌍🔬
Hengshui Lake’s improved water quality and restored wetlands have turned it into a VIP lounge for migratory birds. Over 334 species have been recorded here, making it a critical pitstop on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway—the bird version of an intercontinental highway. 🛣️🦅
With migratory season at its peak, the reserve is buzzing with feathery travelers. Who knows what rare species might pop up next? 👀📸
