Wintering migratory birds are stopping by wetlands across China.

The Qinghuahai National Wetland Park in southwest China's Yunnan Province witnessed more than 2,000 migratory birds to "check in" this winter, among which are a group of common cranes.

Farmers in Eryuan County of Yunnan also reported traces of common cranes, as a group of over 30 cranes have been spotted foraging on crop fields.

"Common cranes prefer to migrate in small groups and are omnivorous, primarily feeding on plants. This is the first time we have spotted a group of grey crowned cranes within Eryuan County," said Guo Yunke, deputy director of the Eryuan County Forestry and Grassland Bureau.

Naji national wetland reserve in east China's Jiangxi Province has accommodated some star species making their way to the marshes, including the critically endangered Siberian cranes. 

"The star species have all arrived, with the number of Siberian cranes reaching over 1,700, about three times more than in the same period last year," said Xiong Bo, a patrol officer in the reserve. 

Since 2020, aquaculture, fishing and bird-watching on boats have all been prohibited in the reserve. 

(Cover image a video screenshot)