Jingxin Wetland in Hunchun city, Northeast China’s Jilin province, has recently seen flocks of rare migratory birds, including Steller's sea eagles, ernes, and golden eagles, attracting a large number of viewers and photographers from across the world.

Each February, tens of thousands of rare birds fly to the wetland where they rest and find food.

Covering an area of more than 5,800 hectares, Jingxin Wetland attracts flocks of migratory birds each spring and autumn, including wild geese, swans, red-crowned cranes, and egrets.

So far, 42 species of bird have been spotted in Hunchun, among which 18 are national first-class and second-class protected birds.

The city has an excellent natural environment that is attractive to the birds, and people’s awareness of protecting the environment has also improved, said Wang Yukun, a birdwatcher at the wetland.

Over the past several years, Hunchun has worked hard to ensure that its economic development does not impact its natural environment, building two national-level and seven provincial-level ecological counties and towns, as well as 98 ecological villages.

An eagle catches a fish at Jingxin Wetland in Hunchun, Jilin province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Two birds fight for a piece of food in Hunchun, Jilin province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Birdwatchers sit ready with their cameras at the wetland in Hunchun, Jilin province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]