An increasing number of migratory birds are seen making a stopover in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region during the current migration season, thanks to the region's improved natural environment.

Tens of thousands of greylag geese, cormorants and mallards have arrived at the Manas National Wetland Park as they make their annual journey south. The number of demoiselle cranes and Eurasian cranes under the second-class national protection in China that were spotted in the area has exceeded 1,000, equaling the total of those observed in the past five years.

"We used to spot only dozens of demoiselle cranes and Eurasian cranes each time in the past, but the number has exceeded 2,000 so far this year. It means that the wetland park is favorable for them to stop over on their way of migration because of the broad water area, plenty of food and safe environment," said Liu Yongjun, director of the park maintenance team under the Administration Bureau of Xinjiang Manas National Wetland Park.

This year's first batch of distinguished guests, swans, arrived in the park 10 days earlier than last year.

The Manas National Wetland Park is located on a bird migration route and is the last replenishment stop for migratory birds before they fly over Mount Tianshan in Xinjiang to the south.

To provide enough water area and food for the migratory birds, the authorities took steps to store more water in the park, boost the fish and shrimp population, and expand the afforestation area.

 (All images via VCG)

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