Three black stork chicks, a species under first-class protection in China, were observed completing their first flights from a cliff in Ganquan County of Yan'an City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Friday, 76 days after hatching.
The first chick took flight from the nest in early morning, landing on a road about 20 meters away to embark on its first-ever ground adventure.
About an hour later, the second chick cautiously tested the nest's edge -- peering out, stretching its wings, and after several hesitations, leaped down, landing steadily on the rocks below. After another hour, the third chick followed suit smoothly.
Following their first flights, the trio lingered nearby, exploring the roads and streams close to the nest.
Black storks have strict requirements for their habitat's ecological environment. In recent years, sustained efforts to manage and improve the local ecological environment have provided wild animals and plants with favorable living spaces, thereby enhancing biodiversity.
Rare black stork chicks complete first flights in China's Shaanxi
Rare black stork chicks complete first flights in China's Shaanxi
Protesters filled Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma on Saturday, rallying in solidarity with Venezuela and denouncing U.S. influence in Latin America.
The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of Jan 3, taking by force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Holding numerous flags and banners while chanting slogans intermittently, a huge crowd of protesters criticized U.S. military actions against Venezuela and the unlawful control over President Maduro and his spouse, calling for respect for national sovereignty and regional peace.
"We oppose the U.S. intervention and hegemony towards the countries in Latin America. The United States has flagrantly trampled on international law, bombed Caracas and kidnapped the Maduro couple. The U.S. interventionism has become extremely blatant. We must firmly oppose and be highly vigilant, because this is not only related to a certain country, but also to all countries," said a protester.
"We demand that the United States stop interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs. The country must immediately cease its exploitation and plundering of the countries in Latin America," said another protester.
Protest erupts in Mexico City over US military operation in Venezuela
