Oriental storks thrive in wetlands of E China's Jiangsu

Photo taken on Aug. 31, 2026, shows a flock of Oriental storks, a national first-class protected species in China, chasing each other, foraging and resting on a shallow beach in the Shuangou section of Hongze Lake Wetland in Sihong County, east China's Jiangsu Province. The local authorities have continued efforts to restore the wetland ecosystem, with the habitat steadily improving, bird populations increasing and biodiversity significantly enhanced, creating a vibrant ecological scene of harmonious coexistence between people and nature. (Zhang Lianhua/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on Aug. 31, 2026, shows a flock of Oriental storks, a national first-class protected species in China, chasing each other, foraging and resting on a shallow beach in the Shuangou section of Hongze Lake Wetland in Sihong County, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Zhang Lianhua/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on Aug. 31, 2026, shows a flock of Oriental storks, a national first-class protected species in China, chasing each other, foraging and resting on a shallow beach in the Shuangou section of Hongze Lake Wetland in Sihong County, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Zhang Lianhua/Guangming Picture)