Discovering rare birds at a reserve in Northern China

Several rare bird species, including a black crane and an oriental white crane, were recently discovered at Hengshui Lake National Nature Reserve in Hebei Province, Northern China.

White cranes at Hengshui Lake National Nature Reserve in Hebei Province, Northern China. (Photo: Xinhua).

Representatives of the reserve said it is very rare for black cranes and Eastern white cranes to hunt together. This is also the first case since 2018 that this reserve has witnessed the presence of black cranes.

The Eastern White Crane is listed as "endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Meanwhile, with about 1,000 black cranes in China, this species is classified as level 1 protection in the country.

Hengshui Lake has recorded an improvement in water quality since 2023. The shallows around the lake are now a suitable habitat for waterfowl, also known as waterfowl. The lake is currently in peak season for migratory birds.

Located in Hengshui City in Hebei Province, Hengshui Lake is a national nature reserve with the largest water surface area in the North China Plains. This reserve possesses a complete wetland ecosystem including swamps, water, mudflats, grasslands and open forests. This is also an important stopover and wintering place for migratory birds from East Asia to Australia. To date, 334 bird species have been observed and recorded by reserve staff.