A number of rare bird species, including a Black Crane and an Eastern White Crane, have recently been discovered at the Hong Hanh Thuy National Nature Reserve in Hebei Province, Northern China.
Eastern White Crane at Hong Hanh Thuy National Nature Reserve in Hebei Province, Northern China. (Photo: Xinhua).
Representatives from the reserve stated that it is very rare for the Black Crane and Eastern White Crane to hunt for food together. This marks the first sighting of the Black Crane in the reserve since 2018.
The Eastern White Crane is listed as “endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Meanwhile, with approximately 1,000 Black Cranes in China, this species is classified as a level 1 protected species in the country.
Hong Hanh Thuy has been noted for its improved water quality since 2023. The surrounding shoals of the lake currently provide a suitable habitat for waterfowl. The lake is now in peak season for migratory birds.
Located in the city of Hanh Thuy in Hebei Province, Hong Hanh Thuy is the largest national nature reserve by water area in the North China Plain. This reserve has a complete wetland ecosystem that includes marshes, water bodies, sandbanks, grasslands, and sparse forests. It also serves as an important stopover and wintering site for migratory birds traveling from East Asia to Australia. To date, 334 bird species have been observed and recorded by the reserve staff.
