VietNamNet Bridge - Tens of thousands of storks perched on bamboo trees can be seen on Stork Island in the northern province of Hai Duong.

Departing from Hai Duong City, tourists should go along  Highway No. 39B to Thanh Mien town, and further by 10 more kilometers to reach Chi Lang Nam commune to visit the island.

The island is endowed with a bio-diverse system and is home to more than 20,000 storks, egrets, herons and many other bird species.

In the 15th century, the Luoc River dyke broke, inundating the earth mound and the temple with water in the An Duong flood plain. After that, water did not go down, thus creating a big lake and a small island. Local residents believed that this was a sacred water area which would never dry up. More and more storks came to live on the island, thus creating the Chi Lang Nam Stork Island.

Making a journey to Co Island, excursionists will be amazed to witness nests of storks on branches and baby storks learning to fly on bamboo tops. Their twittering in harmony with the murmur of leaves and whisper of winds, together with the buzz of other insects, helps people to relax and leave daily stress behind.

The peaceful and splendid surroundings is another reward for tourists. An Duong Lake on the island is home to many fish and many aquatic species, many of which are listed in the Red Book of Vietnam. Locals say that September is the time that thousands of storks and birds come to the island and stay until April of the following year.

Since 1994, local authorities have preserved and developed tourism on the island, attracting about 40,000 tourists every year. They have grown more plants and trees to offer more space for birds.

Authorities have also approved a project to develop and preserve the ecological system in Co Island. The project costs VND100 billion and includes three phases which will be completed by 2015.

Pictures of the stork island:

Pha Le