Juvenile Oriental White Stork Killed by Wind Turbine, Birdwatchers Mourn
A juvenile Oriental White Stork, a protected species, was found dead after apparently being cut in half by a wind turbine in Yunlin County. Birdwatchers are calling for enhanced protective measures.
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- 📰 Published: June 4, 2026 at 16:25
- 🔍 Collected: June 4, 2026 at 16:45 (20 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 6, 2026 at 15:55 (47h 10m after Collected)
(Central News Agency, Yunlin County, June 4) A pair of Oriental White Storks, a protected species, nested and bred on a high-voltage power tower in the Erlun area of Yunlin County this spring. Three chicks fledged last month and were learning to forage with their parents at the mouth of the Zhuoshui River. However, birdwatchers discovered one of the chicks dead today, apparently cut in half by a wind turbine, causing great sorrow.
Wu Ming-yi, chairman of the Mailiao Cultural Association and a birdwatcher, stated that a farmer in Dacheng Township, Changhua County, found the bird carcass early this morning beneath a wind turbine on the riverbed of the Zhuoshui River. The body appeared to have been sliced in two by a sharp blade. Upon closer inspection, it was identified as an Oriental White Stork. The farmer immediately notified birdwatchers, the Biodiversity Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Agriculture Department of the Yunlin County Government. The carcass was then brought to the association.
Wu indicated that based on its size, the bird is likely the male chick named "Er Bao," one of the three. Exact confirmation awaits further investigation by agricultural authorities, but it is certain that the juvenile was killed by an impact.
Wu noted that the pair of storks nested on a high-voltage tower in the Erlun area of Yunlin County this spring. After stages of incubation, brooding, and growth, the chicks fledged in mid-May and have been active and exploring the area around the Zhuoshui River estuary. Many domestic and international birdwatchers have been closely tracking their lives.
Birdwatchers were initially concerned about the high density of power towers and high-voltage lines at the Zhuoshui River estuary, fearing potential electrocution. They also worried the storks might become prey for stray dogs in the area, so they monitored the birds' movements daily.
According to Wu, birdwatchers reported that the parent birds and chicks had been flying westward recently. Around 8 PM last night, some birdwatchers even spotted them near Wan'an Temple in Changhua County. It is speculated that the chick may have been hit by the wind turbine during the night.
The birdwatchers hope that everyone will respect the right to life, maintain a safe distance from the storks, and return a safe habitat to them. They also hope that relevant authorities will strengthen protective measures to prevent similar accidents from happening again. (Editor: Wu Su-rou) 1150604
Wu Ming-yi, chairman of the Mailiao Cultural Association and a birdwatcher, stated that a farmer in Dacheng Township, Changhua County, found the bird carcass early this morning beneath a wind turbine on the riverbed of the Zhuoshui River. The body appeared to have been sliced in two by a sharp blade. Upon closer inspection, it was identified as an Oriental White Stork. The farmer immediately notified birdwatchers, the Biodiversity Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Agriculture Department of the Yunlin County Government. The carcass was then brought to the association.
Wu indicated that based on its size, the bird is likely the male chick named "Er Bao," one of the three. Exact confirmation awaits further investigation by agricultural authorities, but it is certain that the juvenile was killed by an impact.
Wu noted that the pair of storks nested on a high-voltage tower in the Erlun area of Yunlin County this spring. After stages of incubation, brooding, and growth, the chicks fledged in mid-May and have been active and exploring the area around the Zhuoshui River estuary. Many domestic and international birdwatchers have been closely tracking their lives.
Birdwatchers were initially concerned about the high density of power towers and high-voltage lines at the Zhuoshui River estuary, fearing potential electrocution. They also worried the storks might become prey for stray dogs in the area, so they monitored the birds' movements daily.
According to Wu, birdwatchers reported that the parent birds and chicks had been flying westward recently. Around 8 PM last night, some birdwatchers even spotted them near Wan'an Temple in Changhua County. It is speculated that the chick may have been hit by the wind turbine during the night.
The birdwatchers hope that everyone will respect the right to life, maintain a safe distance from the storks, and return a safe habitat to them. They also hope that relevant authorities will strengthen protective measures to prevent similar accidents from happening again. (Editor: Wu Su-rou) 1150604