Large flocks of migratory birds covered the sky over drifting ice floes in the Yellow River, east China's Shandong Province.

The phenomenon appeared in Dongying City, a coastal stopover point for these feathered travelers.

Ice floes have been observed on the river since February 7, extending over 400 kilometers from Taian City to the river's mouth, with the densest appearing in Dongying.

As temperatures rise and ice begins to melt, a picturesque scene unfolds of birds resting on the floating ice before once again flying away.

(Cover: Migratory birds are seen at the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve, Dongying City, Shandong Province, east China, December 15, 2024. /VCG)