In May, the crested ibis chicks grow and eagerly await their meals. Adult ibises wander about and scan the paddies for food, shuttling between the fields and their nests. After adequate irrigation, pond loaches and rice eels emerge to become their prey. Fish and shrimp from the canals are the chicks' favorite snacks. What if the food is not enough? The birds also show up in the rice field, which are both the farmers' livelihood and larders for the ibises.

About Journeys in Nature: Cloudy Qinling Series

Qinling Mountain range is among the regions with the richest biodiversity in the world, specifically hailed as the northernmost treasure trove of subtropical wildlife. Sitting between northern and southern China, the majestic mountain range is regarded by some as the country's "central park" and an important symbol of Chinese culture. Keep an eye out for the giant panda, golden snub-nosed monkey, takin and other rich wildlife in the cloudy Qinling Mountains. 

For more:

Cloudy Qinling Series Ep. 6: 'Snow spirits' can brave the winter

(Cover image a video screenshot; video by CGTN Nature film crew)

(If you have specific expertise and want to contribute, or if you have a topic of interest that you'd like to share with us, please email us at nature@cgtn.com.)