Over 10 pairs of endangered crested ibises were spotted nesting and tending to their eggs in Tongchuan City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

The breeding season of the species began in February. Currently, each nest is closely monitored by local rangers for better protection and data collection.

"The rangers wrap the trunks with plastics to prevent snakes from climbing up. Also, wildlife photographers are not recommended to gather and interfere with the ibises," said Wu Xiaolu, a member of the local station for the protection of wild animals.

In 2013, 62 artificially bred crested ibises were released in the wild in the city. Since then, a total of 202 crested ibises have been born there.

There are over 7,700 ibises in Shaanxi Province, according to the provincial forestry bureau. 

(Cover image is a screenshot)