Around 300 wild Asian openbill storks have been seen seeking food and playing at a wetland in southwest China's Yunnan Province.

The group of wading birds, greyish or white with glossy black wings and tails, stopped over at the wetland in Yunnan's Menghai County on their way of migrating to the south for wintering.

Local forestry rangers said it was the first time for them to see such a large group of Asian openbill storks in the area. The forestry station is monitoring and patrolling 24 hours a day to protect the migratory birds.

Asian openbill stork, widespread on the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, appeared in China's Yunnan Province for the first time in October 2006. The frequent visit by the birds indicates that the ecology and environment have improved in Yunnan.

(Editor: Zhao Ying)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)