In recent days, residents in Song Tri ward, Ha Tinh province, have been surprised to witness the sudden appearance of thousands of unusual birds across local rice fields. The flocks typically gather in the early morning and late afternoon, drawing curiosity and attention from the community.

Many locals initially believed the birds to be a large migratory species, noting their tall bodies, long legs and habit of foraging in groups.

Speaking to VietNamNet, Dao Duc Giang, head of the Hoanh Son Forest Protection Department, confirmed that the birds are Asian openbill storks - a rare and protected species listed in Group IB of Vietnam’s Red Book.

“The sight of thousands of these birds gathering in Song Tri ward to feed is unusual and has never been recorded here before,” Giang said. “As soon as we received the information, we coordinated with local police to conduct patrols and raise awareness among residents to prevent any hunting activities.”

He stressed that this is a highly protected species, and any acts of illegal hunting or captivity could result in criminal prosecution.

According to Giang, the presence of the birds does not pose a threat to crops. On the contrary, they play a beneficial role in the ecosystem by feeding primarily on snails, particularly invasive golden apple snails that damage rice fields.

“We have prepared communication materials on protecting this species and sent them to the Song Tri ward authorities for broadcasting through local loudspeaker systems,” he added.

The unexpected arrival of the flock has not only created a striking natural scene but also highlighted the importance of preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance in rural areas.

Thien Luong