Young Oriental Storks Take Flight, Exploring the Zhuoshui River Estuary Area

(CNA, Yunlin County, May 18, by reporter Tsai Chih-ming) The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FNCA) stated that the endangered Oriental Storks, which nested and bred on a high-voltage power pylon in the Erlun area of Yunlin this spring, have seen their young fledge today. The young birds are now active and exploring the environment around the Zhuoshui River estuary. The Nantou Branch of the FNCA released a press statement today, indicating that this precious breeding journey not only witnesses the continuation of the Oriental Stork's life in Taiwan but also demonstrates the successful outcome of collaboration among public departments, local private organizations, enterprises, and academic units in protecting wildlife. The Nantou Branch stated that to balance wildlife conservation, public safety, and the operational needs of power facilities, the branch had invited the FNCA, Yunlin County Government, the Fourth River Management Branch of the Water Resources Agency, Mailiao Power Corporation, Maiziliao Cultural Association, Yunlin County Wild Bird Society, and experts and scholars to jointly discuss measures. This was to reduce potential disturbances during the breeding period, allowing the parent and young birds to complete the chick-rearing process in a relatively stable environment. The Nantou Branch pointed out that during this period, the parent birds took turns foraging, and the young birds progressed from peeking out, standing, and flapping their wings to recently fledging, much like a "high-altitude parenting diary" unfolding at the Zhuoshui River estuary. The fledging of the young birds does not mark the end of conservation work. The initial post-fledging period is a crucial stage for learning to fly, forage, and adapt to the environment, and it still requires everyone to provide a safe and undisturbed space for their growth. Lee Chih-min, Director of the Nantou Branch, said that the successful breeding and fledging of the Oriental Storks around the Zhuoshui River is a very rare and touching life story. From a nest on a power pylon to young birds flying into the sky, this is not just a breeding record of a single species but also a reminder to the public that river estuaries, wetlands, farmlands, fish ponds, and surrounding open landscapes are all vital environments that wildlife depends on for survival. Lee urged the public that if they spot Oriental Storks in the Zhuoshui River or Erlun area recently, they should maintain a proper distance, not chase, feed, or use drones to get close for filming, allowing the young birds to practice flying and foraging in a stable environment. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150518