The discovery of the Oriental white storks nesting was made during routine patrols by volunteers such as Chai. Upon receiving the monitoring report, bird experts confirmed the species.

They speculated that the recent sightings of small groups of Oriental white storks were due to their increasing population and changes in traditional habitats.

Professor Guo Donglong from Shanxi University's School of Life Sciences told the Datong Daily that the discovery of new breeding sites for birds is usually influenced by multiple factors, including climate change, improvements in ecological environment and local efforts in bird protection.

Guo, who has been studying birds for over 40 years, confirmed that the Oriental white stork was previously considered a migratory bird in Shanxi, with only a few individuals occasionally wintering there.

Chai Run had already observed one chick in the nest. "With the Oriental stork population steadily recovering, this family may choose to stay here in the future. I will keep watching them," he said.

Contact the writers at zhuxingxin@chinadaily.com.cn