Wildlife conservation personnel have recently discovered new-born black storks in multiple nesting sites across Beijing, with the local black stork population now stabilized at around 100 - a significant increase from just 50 to 60 individuals a few years ago.

Black storks are an endangered species under China's first-class protection. Fewer than 3,000 remain worldwide, with approximately 1,000 living in China.

The hatching season for black storks is from April to July. So far this year, conservationists in Beijing have identified and numbered 14 nests for close monitoring and protection of the birds.

"There are 12 wild black stork nests in the Fangshan District alone. We are currently observing the nest number 12. It's interesting that the parent storks have relocated twice, but remaining on this mountain. We've been closely monitoring their two chicks in recent days, and we're thrilled to have seen the appearance of a third. There are many goods news, like at the nest number 3, for instance, four chicks have been successfully hatched and survived this year," said Li Li, a council member of the China Wildlife Conservation Association.

From late June to August, these chicks are expected to develop the ability to fly and forage independently. They will then leave the nest and begin their juvenile stage of life.

Black storks typically feed in clear rivers, relying on small fish, shrimp, loaches, frogs, small snakes, and lizards for nourishment.

"The black stork is a flagship species and a key ecological indicator of water quality. The birth of three, four, or even five chicks in a single nest demonstrates a steady improvement in the local ecological environment year by year," said Li.