The Mengjin National Yellow River Wetland in Luoyang spans more than 6,200 hectares, featuring diverse landscapes such as open water, shallow marshes, and sandbars. Thanks to its mild, humid climate, lush aquatic vegetation, and plentiful fish and shrimp, it serves as a vital stopover site for migratory birds.

Recently, the wetland has once again welcomed 37 black storks for the winter. They stand tall on slender red legs, their red beaks poised like spears. Their dark plumage shimmers with a metallic sheen in the sunlight, as if woven from black satin—a truly dazzling sight.

Known as the “giant panda of birds,” the black stork is a first-class protected species in China. With only around 3,000 individuals remaining worldwide, they are highly selective about their habitat. The Mengjin Yellow River Wetland has been their favoured winter home for many consecutive years, with a record single count of 95 individuals, demonstrating the continuous improvement of the wetland’s ecosystem and the effectiveness of wildlife conservation.