Rare migratory birds were spotted in China's natural wetlands, which provide ideal stopovers or wintering grounds.

Black-necked cranes, a species under national first-class protection, typically begin their southward winter migration from northwest China's Qinghai Province in mid to late October.

An extensive wetland on the border of Wulan and Gonghe counties in the province offers a suitable environment for the bird to stop, forage and rest during their migration. They will continue their journey south after they are well fed.

There are over 2,600 black-necked cranes across Qinghai, an increase of more than 1,400 compared to 10 years ago, according to the provincial Forestry and Grassland Bureau.

In east China's Jiangsu Province, various species of rare migratory birds, such as the oriental white stork and the Eurasian spoonbill, were seen at their wintering ground, a coastal wetland in Lianyungang City.

Situated along the East Asian-Australasian flyway, this 233,000-hectare wetland, with abundant natural and ecological resources, has become an ideal winter habitat for birds. In recent years, the local government has enhanced its efforts in the ecological restoration of coastal wetlands, effectively attracting a large number of migratory birds to the area.

(Cover image a screenshot)