Large flocks of great cormorants, a large water bird, have gathered in Bosten Lake of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to breed.
The widespread black bird feeds on the sea, in estuaries or on freshwater lakes and rivers. They build the nest in trees, on the ledges of cliffs, or on the ground of rocky islands to avoid predators.
All photos were taken on Sunday by Nian Lei, a photographer based in Xinjiang.
More from the contributor:
NW China's Bosten Lake embraces migratory birds
Swans play at Bosten Lake in Xinjiang, NW China
Wind pushes ice ashore in NW China lake
Giant 'turquoise ribbon' zigzags through mountain valley in NW China
Swans stop at NW China lake in migration
Kaidu River in NW China embraces autumn
Ruddy shelducks gather at Bosten Lake in NW China
Poplar trees brighten desert with golden leaves
Reed flowers bloom around Bosten Lake in NW China
Largest inland freshwater lake in China embraces autumn
(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)