BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) -- A pair of kestrels, classified as a national second-class protected wild animal in China, have chosen an unlikely home atop a 30-meter-high communication tower in the urban area of Beijing's Changping District. They recently hatched a brood of chicks, drawing crowds of fascinated onlookers.
Nearby residents observed that the kestrels have been staying for about half a month and have hatched several chicks. The fledglings, not yet able to fly on their own, can often be seen fluttering their wings within the safety of their nest.
On the street below, more than a dozen photography enthusiasts have set up their cameras to capture fluttering, stretching and feeding moments. "These raptors are usually spotted in greenbelt parks and other lush natural areas. Nesting in the city is uncommon -- it's a positive sign of our improving urban ecology," said Huang Cheng, a student at China University of Petroleum and an avid birder.
The kestrel is a bird of prey, known for its strong flying abilities. With a diet that includes large insects, small birds and rodents, it often serves as a "cleaner" in the urban ecosystem.
While the kestrel used to be a migratory bird in the area, some have settled in parks and become residents in recent years, said a staff member from landscaping and forestry bureau of Changping District.
"However, nesting right in the urban area is still quite rare. This reflects Beijing's steady ecological improvement -- increased green space and greater public awareness of wildlife protection have together provided more habitats for wild animals," the staff member added.
The nest has drawn many curious visitors. Some birdwatchers have even volunteered to give impromptu talks to the public. One parent brought a sixth-grader to join the gathering. "I used to think raptors only lived deep in the mountains. Never expected to see them right at our doorstep. My kid was thrilled."
According to landscaping and forestry bureau of Changping District, the total number of bird species recorded in Beijing has risen to 531, making the city a "bird-friendly habitat."
As one of the countries with the richest bird diversity in the world, China attaches great importance to bird conservation and has implemented a range of initiatives. In 2025, China launched a three-year nationwide campaign to strengthen bird protection, which primarily focuses on enhancing the conservation of birds and their habitats, combating illegal hunting and promoting public awareness. ■
