Power linemen protecting swans in Liaoning

Initially, the team regularly visited the Baishi Reservoir to study the birds' habits and flight trajectories. They found that when swans flew back and forth from upstream to downstream on the Linghe during dusk and dawn, poor visibility due to the dim light made them highly susceptible to colliding with high-voltage lines.

After several rounds of discussions and tests, the company implemented various measures to prevent such tragedies, including the installation of red aviation warning balls, audible and visual alarms and remote floodlights.

"These techniques have greatly facilitated swan protection," said Gu Degang, one of the six swan guardians.

During peak times of bird activity in the evening and early morning, Liu and colleagues form two teams, operating in shifts to stand guard.

The spring weather in Northeast China can be unpredictable. Liu vividly recalled a particular incident last spring when a powerful gale swept in unexpectedly during the night, causing the carefully placed floodlights to topple over.

Undeterred by the biting cold wind, Liu and his dedicated colleagues stood resolute. Despite their bodies swaying back and forth, they clung steadfastly to the lights.

"We stay with the lights, no matter how harsh the conditions," Liu said.

Their unwavering commitment has helped transform the Baishi Reservoir into a vital stopover habitat for migratory birds in northeastern Asia. Nowadays, about 80,000 birds, including swans and red-breasted mergansers, stop over at the Baishi Reservoir during their spring migration.

"Swan protection has seamlessly become a part of our life. As power workers, we are delighted to contribute to the development of an ecological civilization," said Yu Huan, another member of the crew.

Xinhua