Rare bird populations are continuing to flourish in the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve in Dongying, East China's Shandong province, according to a recent breeding-season survey of key species.

The survey found that a total of 4,803 Oriental white stork chicks have hatched in the reserve, reinforcing its status as the world's largest breeding ground for the species. In 2026 alone, 235 nests produced 543 chicks, up 1 percent from the previous year.

Young Oriental white storks stand together in a nest in the Yellow River Delta. [Photo/IC photo]

Other protected birds also recorded steady growth. The breeding population of Saunders's gulls reached 10,362, an increase of 5 percent year on year, while the number of red-crowned crane nests rose by 33 percent to 16. The delta is also the world's second-largest wintering ground for Siberian cranes.

A Saunders's gull rests in the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve. [Photo/IC photo]

These achievements are the result of sustained conservation efforts. Because tall trees are scarce in the delta, Oriental white storks often build nests on electricity pylons. Local power companies and researchers have installed protective equipment and specially designed nesting platforms, helping birds and power lines coexist safely.

The reserve has also strengthened wetland restoration efforts, habitat protection and integrated monitoring across air, land and sea.

Since the reserve was first established, the number of recorded bird species has increased from 187 to 376, including 26 under first-class national protection and 66 under second-class protection. Today, the Yellow River Delta serves as a vital stopover for migratory birds along major East Asian flyways.

A crested ibis thrives in harmony with nature in Dongying. [Photo/IC photo]